I want to get weight loss surgery but my PCP won’t approve. I’m currently 294 with a height of 5 feet. They tell me no because I have no comorbilities. Does anyone have suggestions?

I’m 32 years old. He says I’m still young and surgery should be the last resource.

Do you have the option of finding a more supportive doctor? Were you able to demonstrate to him what you have done in the recent past to lose weight without any success?

Sounds like he doesn't understand obesity and the complex issues that cause it. For a lot of people it isn't as simple as eating less and/or moving more.

My WLS was very helpful and he sent me to the right doctors. I had worked with him before what you may want to do is find a good qualified WLS and work through him.

Yeah find a doctor whose not a prick

My PCP would not refer me either. I was “healthy” and young and just fit the criteria barely. I told her that I needed support and that the bariatric program I was joining could give me services to help in my weight loss that I needed. I told her I’d try the program out for the other benefits and come back to her before my surgery and discuss if it was the right decision if I wanted to do it. I knew all along I was going to do it and never went back to her- maybe I should have because I told her I would but I really dislike my PCP so I didn’t mind.

What about finding a weight-loss surgeon and asking for a recommendation of a doctor that takes Medicaid and is supportive of WLS? Working it backwards would hopefully ensure you end up with a primary care physician that is supportive!
Keep turning towards Joy and Pursuing health

I work in healthcare and so insurance /referrals are way too much of my world and these things are true: (1) most insurance companies do not require a referral for bariatric surgery (that actually would be a very rare requirement except perhaps for a few very stringent managed care plans) and 2) there are not many insurers that require your own PCP sign off on surgery (after all, that would take away your freedom), although the insurer may require a medical clearance from SOME physician (and that doesn’t have to be your PCP). I don’t know all your details, but I do know you can VOTE with your feet and get a new doc. Good luck ?

Edited June 6, 20206 yr by AlwaysCruising

I had the same problem with my PCP. I got a new one and couldn't be happier!

My surgeon had his own doctor that would give referrals so it was pretty easy for me

My surgery is on the 15th of this month. I’m starting to get a little anxious and just hope the family is supportive of me post op. I just want to get this weight off to improve the health issues I am having.

I start my liquid diet on Wednesday of this week.

On 5/5/2020 at 9:42 AM, over65 said:

Idiot doc. Anyone with BMI over 50 is almost automatic. You didn't say your age. Everyone knows that reduced calorie diet and exercise won't do it. On "Biggest loser" they never have reunion because they all gain it back. You don't want to wait for comorbidities. The longer you have to live with that BMI, the more likely you will develop comorbidities and some may not be reversible. You need a doctor who is on your side who understands realities of morbid obesity. Any doc that believes you can even exercise much at BMI 50 doesn't know obesity.

On 6/6/2020 at 7:09 AM, AlwaysCruising said:

I work in healthcare and so insurance /referrals are way too much of my world and these things are true: (1) most insurance companies do not require a referral for bariatric surgery (that actually would be a very rare requirement except perhaps for a few very stringent managed care plans) and 2) there are not many insurers that require your own PCP sign off on surgery (after all, that would take away your freedom), although the insurer may require a medical clearance from SOME physician (and that doesn’t have to be your PCP). I don’t know all your details, but I do know you can VOTE with your feet and get a new doc. Good luck ?

Thank you for your advise. I’m currently in the process. I started my first nutrition class today! I’m very exited and hope they approve me.