Im new here and am meeting with my surgeon next friday to start my preop testing and go over insurance requirements. My PCP is against wls. He said he would rather put me on anti depressants or some kind of insulin shots for at least 6 months to try to curb my appetite. I'm not depressed and am not willing to try his suggestions because I've been obese for 12 years (BMI is 45) . The time for "trying things" is over. My bariatric program said that they will write the letter of medical necessity and I didn't see anything in my insurance requirements about having my PCPs permission for surgery. Do I have to have his support?

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I had to have my pcp review my labs and history and sign a sheet saying he thought I was a candidate for surgery. My pcp was giving me hassle also, only wanting to make my diet appointments every other month, extending my 3 month diet by 2 extra months! So I looked into new pcp, switched to her and I have been much happier. This is my last month pre op diet then I submit to insurance!

Best of luck To you!

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Just switch Doctors. If you are serious about surgery, might as well do it now, because his opinion isn't going to change and you are going to get crap from him for now on. Find a new dr, and make them order your records.

Thank you for your reply! I will definitely be making a switch! Also congrats to being so close to having your surgery. I can't wait until I am where you are!

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Do what best for you. My pcp told me to do Weight Watchers every year for 5 years at my annual examine which I did and it didn't help. I didn't need anything from her to get WLS so I just did it! Got a new PCP....one that is open about the fact she had WLS! It is so nice to have support and someone who gets it. Knows what I need for labs. She gives advice on losing hair to protein shakes. I know not everyone will as lucky as me. Find a pcp that is supportive of WLS.

Edited August 20, 201610 yr by ocgirl15

Do what best for you. My pcp told me to do Weight Watchers every year at my annual examine which I did and it didn't help. I didn't need anything from her to get WLS so I just did it! Got a new PCP....one that is open about the fact she WLS!

I am hoping that I don't need anything from mine. I'll have a better idea after I speak with the surgeon but I definitely need a PCP who supports me! Thank you for your reply!

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I hap to meet with my PCP not for insurance purposes but what my surgeon required. The weight loss clinic already did my labs so I had the results faxed over to my PCP. He only had to write a statement on a rx pad stating I was healthy enough to undergo wls surgery. I'm sorry ur PCP is being an ass. It should only matter if ur healthy enough for the surgery NOT if he agrees with it.

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Edited August 20, 201610 yr by nickisleeve

@@PNWsleever My surgeon asked for a letter of support from my PCP but I don't think they needed it. I would change PCPs immediately. To suggest meds or insulin is poor care and I wouldn't want him overseeing my health!

Thank you for your reply! I will definitely be making a switch! Also congrats to being so close to having your surgery. I can't wait until I am where you are!

Good, you've made your decision, so I won't give another of the same opinion. If, however, your insurance plan does require that a PCP be on board, I'll sign off for you. I'm not a physician, but I play one on Bariatric Pal.

Storm the Bastille!

My PCP is against wls also. I feel bad cuz i really liked him and haven't been back to see him for 3 months. I would've liked his support but can't get it. He never helped me with any weight loss either. I just can't take it anymore so I'm sticking with my wls team at Cleveland Clinic. And after surgery might go back to see him and if I don't feel right I will look for a new PCP who's more wls friendly.

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Honestly, I just started over with a PCP that my surgeon recommended. The two of them were at the same faculty practice at the hospital where I was having my surgery. They worked together seamlessly and didn't have to deal with any BS. Since the PCP had seen so many of my surgeons patients and their outcomes he was very positive and supportive throughout but thorough and on top of things as well.

Im new here and am meeting with my surgeon next friday to start my preop testing and go over insurance requirements. My PCP is against wls. He said he would rather put me on anti depressants or some kind of insulin shots for at least 6 months to try to curb my appetite. I'm not depressed and am not willing to try his suggestions because I've been obese for 12 years (BMI is 45) . The time for "trying things" is over. My bariatric program said that they will write the letter of medical necessity and I didn't see anything in my insurance requirements about having my PCPs permission for surgery. Do I have to have his support?

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I never told my PCP!!! I went to a local bariatric seminar...met my Doc and started the process...the surgeon said if my PCP wants the results of any or all testing he can request them! My surgery is on Wed!

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i don't understand why they won't support wls, from what i have researched... studirs show the most successful at loosing weight and keeping it off is those who use wls... even those i know that worked it off, have regained it.

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My PCP is against wls also. I feel bad cuz i really liked him and haven't been back to see him for 3 months. I would've liked his support but can't get it. He never helped me with any weight loss either. I just can't take it anymore so I'm sticking with my wls team at Cleveland Clinic. And after surgery might go back to see him and if I don't feel right I will look for a new PCP who's more wls friendly.

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Good for you! We gotta do what we gotta do and surround ourselves with people who support us!

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I just want to thank everyone for their encouragement! I had my first consult with my surgeon today and guess what.?? My PCPs opinion or support is NOT NEEDED. Onward I go!

Find a PCP that is supportive! A lot of old school doctors don't like wls but so many see the benefits it has for their patients!