Well, I went to my Family doctor and she is dead set against weight loss surgery, for anyone. She doesn’t seem to be too educated about it because she said that the only surgery doctors do anymore is gastric bypass, and in her words, it causes terrible side effects that are hard to live with. I told her I was considering the sleeve and she said most doctors won’t do the sleeve. I know this is not true, and my bariatric patient coordinator confirmed that I was correct and my doc was not. Now though, my insurance requires a detailed letter from my primary care doc stating that she recommends the surgery, and I can’t get that from her. Do you think they will take a letter from a new doc? I feel like if I am serious about this, I need to find a new doctor that will support me anyhow.

I agree with other posters. Please find another Doctor until you find one that will support you.
Good luck in your search.

Di

Like others said I would get a different PCP, especially since they will be managing your health post surgery as well. I actually was referred to my program by my OBGYN and so she did my referral letter but my PCP as been very accommodating as well.

It isn't just a matter of.....This doctor won't do what you want so find one who will. That's not it. It's a matter of....your doctor isn't keeping up with emerging developments in healthcare. She is rejecting a therapy that is supported by empirical evidence...based on her own subjective prejudices. That is NOT science, it doesn't support her commitment to continuing education (something that is essential for healthcare!), and that is enough to make me doubt her competence in other areas of healthcare as well.

Oh no. Switch doctors! Get the surgery! She/He clearly doesn't know much about Bariatric surgeries.

My Rhemitoidoligist said he was dead set against getting the surgery. Mind you i was diagnosed with Rhemitoid arthritis 2yrs ago and have been on two different medicine since. I went ahead with the surgery down 36lbs and off both meds as of now. And havent missed them. I go back to him Jan 5 and hope Im down a few more pounds and see the look on his face when he reads my blood work results. Cause Im feeling great these days. And Im sure the more weight that come off, Ill feel even better.

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On 12/18/2017 at 8:59 PM, Creekimp13 said:

It isn't just a matter of.....This doctor won't do what you want so find one who will. That's not it. It's a matter of....your doctor isn't keeping up with emerging developments in healthcare. She is rejecting a therapy that is supported by empirical evidence...based on her own subjective prejudices. That is NOT science, it doesn't support her commitment to continuing education (something that is essential for healthcare!), and that is enough to make me doubt her competence in other areas of healthcare as well.

I love everything you wrote!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just an update...this same doc diagnosed me with acid reflux (which I know I don’t have), and ordered an ultra sound just to make sure I don’t have gallstones.

I get the ultrasound back and my gallbladder is full of stones. My doc calls me and tells me that even though I have gall stones, she still thinks it’s acid reflux so she won’t give me a referral to a surgeon until I’ve tried several weeks of meds for acid reflux.

I went to a stomach specialist for a second opinion and they said that without a doubt, I am having gallstone attacks, and don’t have a single symptom of acid reflux. I am scheduled for surgery next Friday to get it out. And the kicker....the meds my doctor wanted me to take can actually do damage if you don’t have acid reflux (per the specialist)!

Needless to say, definitely time for a new doctor, for several reasons.

My goodness. You shouldn't have to suffer. Hope you find a new doctor soon. Many will remove a problematic gallbladder at the time of surgery.
Good Luck mdear

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@TexasMommy80 Run, don't walk to the nearest exit! Wow, what a crappy PCP!!!

Doctors need a crash course in talking about what they know. Sorry your MD was notopen to exploring options for health!

@Stella S Seriously -! I know there's a lot to keep up with for FPs, but bariatric surgery is really having a moment and its borderline malpractice to not put forth some effort to learn the latest.

Fire that doc and find a new one. Your body, your health. You have the right to get the best care for you, and it doesn't sound like that doctor is giving you that.