So, I just got a new doctor and saw him for the first time today.
My visit was for other issues I've been having lately, but I really

wanted to bring up the fact I am seriously considering WLS.
Any time the thought popped into my head to talk about it, I just

suppressed it, afraid he'd take one look at me and say "no" or

that he'd judge me or think I'm being ridiculous.

I'm not sure how to get over this hurdle, and I don't want to

be too scared to ever ask... I guess doctors just make me

nervous.

Anyone have any sound advice for someone looking to

begin their journey (particularly, how to tell your PCP that
you'd like to have WLS)?

One thing to do is phrase it in the form of a question and let him answer for you. Explain how you have been overweight for a long time and have tried many diets. Ask him if there are diet pills, programs, or any other options out there he would recommend. Then listen to his answers and say some your previous doctor had mentioned the idea of a surgical option and ask his thoughts. With his answer ask him if he would refer you somewhere to look into all the options. Most places have weight loss programs that incorporate doctor supervised as well as surgical weight loss options. Once there you can let there program decide on surgery for you and just let you PCP know. Its a lot like getting a referral from your PCP to see a specialist.

I actually lucked out in my journey in the my PCP has known me for years and on several appointments prior to starting my journey had recommended that option.

The other thing is a lot of these surgical weight loss programs offer introductory meets and consultations without needing a referral from a PCP. They would be able to tell you if they take your insurance and if a PCP's referral is necessary, they can actually contact them for the referral directly. So you would even necessarily need to see them prior.

I hope this helps a little. The first steps are always the hardest. Once you get the ball rolling it gets a little easier. There will still be tough parts, but resolving yourself to do this and getting started are the hardest I think.

My doctor was all for it. He even sent a referral to the best bariatric surgeon in the city. I'm still on my journey for insurance approval. I just came out and told him I'm wanting WLS and he took care of the rest. Maybe you will be lucky and not have any issues. Be brave.

I, too, was nervous about talking to my doctor. I didn't want her to shoot it down because I feel as though this is the only option for me right now and I was getting really excited about it. Turned out she was totally on board and sent the referral right away. This a new doctor for me too. Just talk to him. You may be surprised! Jonathan's idea about phrasing it into a question and letting him make the decision for you is good. If this is meant to happen for you, it'll happen!

I wish my doctor had recommended the surgery to me. After I had it and started to really lose some weight, I asked her why she had never suggested it and she said that it is a very sensitive subject and it is hard to bring up with patients because some people get really offended.

I had approached my doctor and am really glad I did. They got me right in to the surgeon and it just went from there. All very supportive but don't expect them to ever bring it up first.

And don't be embarrassed! This is just part of their job and they really don't judge.

I had talked to my previous PCP about WLS and was going to start the process. When I moved and got a new doctor I brought it up with the nurse on my first appointment. I guess she didn't convey what I said to him. I told my new doctor how I have been yoyoing my whole life and was just stuck and was starting to have joint pain.. he simply told me to walk. (Even though I told him I do yoga and have en elliptical). Needless to say I was so disappointed. I thought he was against surgery. My next appointment I talked to him directly about eveything and he was so eager to help and do anything he could to make it happen for me.

Just make sure when you so decide to tell your PCP you want it, know you want it. Do research and be prepared to show your knowledge. And if you are still toying around with the idea, ask for his help. See if they have a program at your PCP's office.

Also knowing what your insurance requires for surgery is a good place to start. You can be working on supervised diet visits while deciding what you want to do.

My PCP was the one who suggested WLS to me and I shot him down! I had gone to him to ask for prescription diet pills to try since nothing else was working, and he suggested WLS. I told him no way, it scared me to death & I wasn't doing it! A week later I was back in his office telling him I'd done some research and realized it really was my best option.

I say go ahead and tell your doctor what you are thinking. If he thinks you shouldn't do it, listen to his reasons - he might have some valid concerns that you need to consider, such as conditions you have that might contraindicate surgery. If he is just anti-WLS in general, then it's good to know that now because you will want a different PCP then who can support you! Either way, talking to him honestly is a win-win. You should never be afraid to talk to your doctor about ANYTHING. If you are afraid to be honest with him, (1) he can't treat you in the best possible way, or (2) he may have given you reasons not to trust him and he's not the doctor for you.

I hope you will be very pleasantly surprised and find that he is quite supportive and was just waiting for you to ask!

Your doctor is working FOR you not the other way around. You have to tell yourself you are worthy and able to be your best advocate. Do your research before you go. Be firm/ assertive. I went to bariactric surgeons orientation before my PCP. This was free and did require a referral. I was already sure I wanted the surgery and simply needed my PCP to do their job and provide my monthly weigh ins and complete required paperwork. I simply told them I was pursuing bariactric surgery. My PCP has been very supportive. If she had not been I would have switched doctors.

I am on my third PCP and my second Endocrinologist since I started this journey 11 months ago. All of them have been extremely supportive. When my Gastroenterologist read my medical notes he called me to say that he was 100% in favor of the surgery. I think that you'll find your doctor more supportive than you think.

I was scared to say something to my doctor so I emailed her. To my surprise, she put in the referral right away. Good luck!

You all are so helpful and encouraging. Thank you
so much.
Another concern I have is, if I'm approved what if
I lose my job or switch insurance in the process?
This scares me, since I don't want to end up paying full
price for the surgery (simply because I could never afford it)

Edited November 10, 201411 yr by chylamarie

I was really blown away with how responsive my doctor was when I mentioned my interest in having bypass. In fact, he has probably been one of my biggest supporters throughout this whole process. I was nervous to bring it up as well, everyone has an opinion, including your doctor. I was scared he would suggest more exercise, weight loss programs, anything but the surgery... but when I mentioned it to him, he lit up with a big smile and said he thought it was a fantastic idea, we discussed what I wanted or of the procedure, if I had surgeons in mind, etc. You may be pleasantly surprised by your doctors response! No need to be scared.