ObesityHelp

He will not listen to me describe the DS.  So how will he know what medications (oil based or extended release for example) I can't take?  How will he know when stomach pain may mean a bowel obstruction and how to look for one?

He prescribed a medication that was contraindicated with another medical problem that I have and that alone was enough to send up huge red flags.

And he's an ass.  I have enough problems without hating my doctor.

But thanks.

~B

I have gone through this, and I feel for you.. I couldn't even get a call back from a scheduling nurse at an Endo's office within 100 miles of home.  My surgeon had to intervene. 

Here's what being a Graves' disease patient for nearly 20 years has taught me: Thyroid patients re a pain.  Endo's would rather treat elderly diabetics on Medicare than deal with us.  We tend to have autoimmue issues that effect multiple systems, symptoms that aren't easy to pin down, and have done our homework on our diseases which means we ask questions.

If your surgeon isn't local, I would contact the closest (competent) bariatric surgeon's office for a recommendation.  Another is to travel. I hate to say it, but I was very close to making the 3 1/2 hour drive to Jacksonville to go to the Mayo. 

I was at my new Endocrinologist's office today.  He and the PA's seem ok, they listened, etc. I still haven't found a GP/Internist I can stand.  When I changed jobs, I stopped going to the one I really liked.  My old commute (60 miles each way)  made him geographically desirable at that time, but not now.  I have gone to urgent care for labs just so I wouldn't actually have to go into a coma and the ER to get my thyroid meds. 

Good luck!

are yuo near a teaching hospital or atleast a big city with a good hospital?  This is a way to find top doctors.  I have been lucky to have an internist and endo that are local.  My Endo does everything for me - my thyroid, pituitary, adrenals, cholesterol adn all labs.  She does my DEXA scans right in her office as well as my thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies.  She is very well equipted.  She also has a very knowledgeable NUT in her office that is very up on WLS - that is where I went preop and if I need her I can go post op.

My surgeon however is an hour away in NYC at a large teaching hospital and well known hospital.  I am having some troubles with kidney stones and my blood that need specialists since it is more complicated than my local doctors can treat so I am being sent to the same hospital 

Thankfully being near NYC is an advantage but if you have a large city near you, you could probably find the same.

IT would be worth traveling for a good Endo and they can do your labs and thyroid followups but yes, you do need a local PCP

good luck

 Maybe I just got lucky, but my DS surgeon is an internist. I will be using him for all my checkups and bloodwork. He does surgeries two days a week and office appts the others.   He is also checking my thyroid (I have hypothyroidism).  When I mentioned to my PCP that I was having WL surgery, she wasnt too happy and didnt know anything about the DS. She will be ok for colds and such.  M surgeon is an hour and 15 minutes away, but will be well worth the trip. 

 Becky,

Sorry to hear about your dilema.  

I agree that you might want to look at finding someone affiliated with a teaching hospital.

 Becky,

How are things going with finding a new PCP??

Becky,

Have you checked with the hospital where you want your physician affiliated with?   Sometimes they will have a list of physician's who practice in their facility.  Check their website and see if they have a listing, it's a possibility.   

I am sorry you are having such a hard time.  I have been on this journey for years now, first physician didn't support the surgery option, second physician told me to get a "low calorie" cookbook and start there.  Go figure, I called my insurance myself and got the ball rolling WITHOUT his help and now my surgery is scheduled for next month.

Keep fighting, there are good doctors out there...they are just very hard to find.  And obviously just because they graduated first in their class....they missed the semester in "Bedside Manners".

Best Wishes...

A.