Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

So my PCP just called me and told me she cannot write my letter of medical necessity because she has never done a nutrtion plan with me. I am trying to explain to her the letter I gave her was just a sample of what I needed she could take that part out. She then proceeded to tell me all the people she has ever known to get this surgery has failed at it so I'm wasting my time. WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR TELLS THEIR PATIENTS THIS!!!! I am beyond furious right now and have tried calling not only my insurance but also my Bariatric Coordinator to see what I should do about this. Has anyone ever had this happen to them?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's ridiculous.

Find a new Pcp asap.

What about you're OB?, I had letters written by both my ob and pcp because I had been with my ob longer and she knew my medical history better. The insurance specialist at my surgeon's office said it was fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did not have this happen to me, but what I did was ask the bariatric office which dr.'s they recommended or that work "with" them and I made a appt with one of them. I was in and out of the office in 10 minutes, my paper was signed and faxed over to my surg's office in less than 5 minutes. So call your surg office and ask them to recommend a dr, make an appt and have them fill out you form for you. No muss no fuss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's what I was thinking. My OBGYN is very supportive of my decision to do this because of my PCOS and possible ovarian cancer.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Find a new PCP! You need a regular Dr. who is on board with what you are doing and is supportive. This person is going to be helping your surgeon meet your medical health goals. Get your records copied and take them to your new PCP. Time to do some homework!

So my PCP just called me and told me she cannot write my letter of medical necessity because she has never done a nutrtion plan with me. I am trying to explain to her the letter I gave her was just a sample of what I needed she could take that part out. She then proceeded to tell me all the people she has ever known to get this surgery has failed at it so I'm wasting my time. WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR TELLS THEIR PATIENTS THIS!!!! I am beyond furious right now and have tried calling not only my insurance but also my Bariatric Coordinator to see what I should do about this. Has anyone ever had this happen to them?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Maybe she doesn't know enough people.

Lol

Seriously, find a new PCP, because this one will obviously not be helpful after the surgery. You need everyone on your team, including your doc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is completely absurd! My obgyn was the one who told me I should consider surgery. Definitely ask yours about the letter. Ask the hospital where you are having your surgery if they happen to create letters for the drs to sign. Where I am having mine done they will create the letter for your dr based off of the data they collect from them, if they need them to, and the dr just signs it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had something similar happen to me with my PCP. Took the papers and asked him to do this, he gave me the run around. Then told me he's not a nut counselor, and he doesn't have time to sit here and explain nutrition with me. I left and it was like a huge weight came on me. Called the bariatric group and they were surprised, never heard of a dr not doing this.

They called the dr they deal with and got me an appointment right away. Dr came in said we'd be done in 15 seconds and we were! Just asked me questions. We did talk a little after that but was about my PCP not doing it. This one said his loss is my gain. I just hope my ins will do 2 PCP because my old one is still taking care of me and the new one is for nutrition only.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would go and find a new PCP or better yet find another doctor that you see regularly like an OB and see if they can sign off for you. Not all PCP's are going to be on board with bariatric surgery because with some PCP's they haven't seen many of their own patients go through with this or had the education on it. There is a difference between knowing people and actually treating people who had this surgery. You want to have a PCP who has worked with patients and treated patients who had this surgery before. I was extremely lucky to have a PCP who has treated and worked with bariatric patients before. I wouldn't call your insurance right away with this until you spoke with your bariatric coordinator so you can figure it all out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is a huge red flag that your PCP is not keeping up with current research and guidelines per the AMA and the NIHI. Regardless of his/her personal opinion the statistics are clear that the majority of people keep off the majority of their excess weight. Diets work in only about 3 percent of the time. I would get a new PCP ASAP.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I contacted the bariatric coordinator and left a message waiting on her return call. I still cannot believe the nerve of this lady. I will definitely be looking for a new PCP to help me along with this. I am so furious it's not even funny. From what I've seen most of her patients are elderly so who knows what they may have experienced with their WLS everyone is different. It just boggles my mind that she would have the audacity to say that to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow! Definitely time to find a new PCP!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My PCP before my current one had told me she would never give any of her patients any recommendations for the surgery. She wasn't very supportive in any of my health problems and never really got on top of my health issues. Since starting this new PCP in November, I have gone from a 9.5 A1c to a 6.4 A1c. I had seen my previous PCP for years and got no where.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

what irritates the crap out of me is that who would NOT back you for trying to better your life? what kind of jerk does that?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is a sad story, but easily fixed. bye bye old PCP, hello new supportive caring PCP. good luck!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×