Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🌈 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

What if my PCP doesn't support this?

Detroit_25

Recommended Posts

Detroit_25    77

Detroit_25
Posted

Hello all,

I have an appointment with my PCP on Thursday for an insurance required referral. I'm a little nervous! I'm not sure how to open the conversation, I don't know if he's a supporter of bariatric surgery, and he doesn't know me well. He's only been my PCP for about a year. Granted, he can pull medical records if he needs to.... but the 'what ifs' keep running through my head. I'd be majorly bummed if he won't refer me.

What should I bring with me? I plan on having insurance requirements printed out, but what else?

TIA!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Daisy Day    91

Daisy Day
Posted

Explain why you need it, list the benefits, explain how your weight effects your daily life. Like my osteoarthritis caused a lot of pain and effected my relationship with my children because I couldn't keep up with them, sleep was effected because of the pain and I was depressed because I could be the best mom I could due to my knees and ankles. Make your "presentation" sincere and personal, that will help you out.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

sissiegirl    33

sissiegirl
Posted

I had the same worry. I've only been with pcp got about 6 mos. after a 25 yr with former dr. But went in and told him I had signed up for seminar and he said "with Dr. Wolf?" I said yes. He said that's great. That's the best help for diabetes and you other chronic problems including back and knees. ". Omg was I happy. This was Monday. They called me later to tell me my referral and records were all sent to wolf's and if there was anything they could do to help me, just let them know. Hope yours works out as well. I think it has been around long enough now that more Drs. Are aware of the benefits. Lol I had even practiced how I would beg. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Detroit_25    77

Detroit_25
Posted

I had the same worry. I've only been with pcp got about 6 mos. after a 25 yr with former dr. But went in and told him I had signed up for seminar and he said "with Dr. Wolf?" I said yes. He said that's great. That's the best help for diabetes and you other chronic problems including back and knees. ". Omg was I happy. This was Monday. They called me later to tell me my referral and records were all sent to wolf's and if there was anything they could do to help me, just let them know. Hope yours works out as well. I think it has been around long enough now that more Drs. Are aware of the benefits. Lol I had even practiced how I would beg. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

thank you, I appreciate it! I'm glad yours went so smoothly.. fingers crossed mine goes the same!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

clc9    644

clc9
Posted

Be prepared to explain all your previous attempts to lose weight - what you tried, what the result was, did you gain some, all, or more back...

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

purpleninjaesq    1

purpleninjaesq
Posted

Don't worry. If your PCP wants you to be healthy and you meet the criteria for the surgery, they will want you to go for it. Showing the PCP that you have educated yourself on the qualifications of being a candidate for surgery, the implications of having surgery, and the risks will also go a long way. They will want to know you're ready and committed to the lifestyle change. My PCP was thrilled that I had come to the decision on my own and after a ton of research.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Detroit_25    77

Detroit_25
Posted

Don't worry. If your PCP wants you to be healthy and you meet the criteria for the surgery, they will want you to go for it. Showing the PCP that you have educated yourself on the qualifications of being a candidate for surgery, the implications of having surgery, and the risks will also go a long way. They will want to know you're ready and committed to the lifestyle change. My PCP was thrilled that I had come to the decision on my own and after a ton of research.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yay! This makes me optimistic. Thank you! Appointment is tomorrow afternoon and I'm already nervous

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Don't worry. If your PCP wants you to be healthy and you meet the criteria for the surgery, they will want you to go for it. Showing the PCP that you have educated yourself on the qualifications of being a candidate for surgery, the implications of having surgery, and the risks will also go a long way. They will want to know you're ready and committed to the lifestyle change. My PCP was thrilled that I had come to the decision on my own and after a ton of research.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yay! This makes me optimistic. Thank you! Appointment is tomorrow afternoon and I'm already nervous

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

ella37    455

ella37
Posted

My GP was not in favor of the surgery at my BMI, but he still gave me medical clearance. I'm not sure what exactly your insurance needs but I'm sure he would've written the letter if I'd needed it.

If he says no, find a new GP.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

pink pixel    9

pink pixel
Posted

I too am not sure if my PCP will give me a referral. I have only been seeing her for the last two years and my weight has gone up and down throughout the years due to yo-yo dieting. I switched PCPs a lot before I found one that I was comfortable with and would always go on a fad diet before scheduling my annual physicals because I was ashamed of my weight and didn't want to get lectured about the dangers of obesity.

I have kept a log of most of my weight loss attempts and weight gains which I plan on bringing to my Dr.'s appointment. Hopefully that will help. Good luck with your doctor.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Detroit_25    77

Detroit_25
Posted

Update to all- he referred me with no problem and stated he'd rather I get it done now while still young (27) so I can bounce back quickly and ended the convo with stating that he is in full support of my decision

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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
Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • eclarke

      eclarke

      Two years out. Lost 120 , regained 5 lbs. Recently has a bout of Norovirus, lost 7 pounds in two days. Now my stomach feels like it did right after my surgery. Sore, sensitive to even water.  Anyone out there have a similar experience?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Eve411

      Eve411

      April Surgery
      Am I the only struggling to get weight down. I started with weight of 297 and now im 280 but seem to not lose more weight. My nutrtionist told me not to worry about the pounds because I might still be losing inches. However, I do not really see much of a difference is this happen to any of you, if so any tips?
      Thanks
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Clueless_girl

      Well recovering from gallbladder removal was a lot like recovering from the modified duodenal switch surgery, twice in 4 months yay 🥳😭. I'm having to battle cravings for everything i shouldn't have, on top of trying to figure out what happens after i eat something. Sigh, let me fast forward a couple of months when everyday isn't a constant battle and i can function like a normal person again! 😞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KeeWee

      KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 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

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×