I have to get medical clearance from my PCP. I saw the nurse practitioner today and she was surprisingly supportive - especially with the surgeon I have. She said she thought it was a great tool to help people who have struggled to lose for a long time and that surgery is an under-utilized tool.

I don't know why - but I was expecting a fair amount of pushback from my doctor.

One hurdle cleared!

@ What a great response! I haven't talked to my PCP. I was told by my insurance that I didn't need to, but we'll see as the process continues. First steps, they're hard to take! Congratulations to you for making yours!

@@Tina4heath4ever the medical clearance from my PCP was the surgeon's requirement - not the insurance company's. I think it is so crazy that there are so many different requirements depending on the insurance and/or doctor. Seems like there should be a standard set of requirements.

nurse practitioner was supportive

@kraftkris

"expect the worse, hope for the best!!!" your post is perfect example

glad everything is starting off well

enjoy jumping through ALL hoops of insurance

good luck

kathy

I actually found a new PCP just to do the 6 month pre-op period. On my initial visit, I confirmed with him why I was using him and would require his recommendation at the end of the 6 months or there was no need for me to continue. He had no problem with that, in fact he was very supportive and wrote a great recommendation. He also knew my Surgeon and cardiologist and even visited me in the hospital after the surgery.

So, checking around might be a good idea to avoid any misunderstandings later on. After all, there was no PCP that was going to change my mind, so I didn't need one that figured they had a say in the matter.