So I am in the middle stages of getting approved for RNY.

I thought I didn't have any health issues but found out I have high blood pressure. I had to beg my PCP for a referral to a surgeon. Went to see the surgeon and he is positive he can get me approved. I am 5'1 and 300lbs. Been seeing a nutritionist for almost 12 months.

I went back to my PCP to get the required referrals that I needed to get testing and clearance my surgeon wanted. I met a lot of resistance. My PCP finally told me he didn't believe that any form of obesity was a disease. That "Good old fashioned diet and exercise works for EVERYONE" and he didn't think I needed this surgery.

^the above statement came AFTER he took my blood pressure and said "wow it is a little high. 220/156, are you upset?"

So I told him I wanted a referral to a cardiologist to see about my blood pressure issue. He said that it was only one reading and I don't have a blood pressure issue. I asked him if he thought I looked like an idiot or if he thought I was an idiot since I have Medicaid. He just looked at me and I said "a reading of 220/157 is stroke levels. I am an LPN and even I know you should be sending me to the ER. If I walk out of here and something happens to me that is caused by my blood pressure, I will make sure I hold you personally responsible".

He then got upset and walked out saying he would be back to take my BP again. Came back 15 min later and it was 201/103. That is when he told me he wouldn't help me get the RNY and that I should not be "Embellishing my issues". I responded with "Wow, I was unaware of any ways to FAKE or EMBELLISH a blood pressure reading. I must have tampered with your MANUAL blood pressure cuff and your stethoscope".

I left the office after he told me to come back in 2 weeks after I watch my salt intake. 15 minutes later he called to tell me I could pick up my referral to the Cardiologist.

I am concerned because I need a PCP who is going to help me but don't want to keep PCP Hopping. Is there anyway to find a PCP that is understanding of morbid obesity as a disease?

Wow.... I would change doctors just because he sounds very unprofessional !!! I would call your ins. co. and see EXACTLY what they require for approval. I did not need my PCP I just had my RNY surgeon take care of everything. My PCP did write a letter stating why he thought I would be a great canidate which did help and was a requirement of my surgeon. Good luck

I did not have a PCP either. I had the opposite issue mine just wanted to pump me full of pills but not help me get to the root of the problem. I went through a center I excellence and they took care o everything. Still looking for a PCP.

You need a new doc. If he does not see eye to eye with you about your condition he is not a good fit for you.