Question:
Talking to my primary care doc about WLS tomorrow -- any advice?
I'm going to see my primary care doctor tomorrow and I'm planning to broach the subject of RNY surgery. My weight will already be a topic of conversation because I've gained 60(!) pounds since I saw her last in 2000. I don't know how she feels about WLS, but I want to be prepared. What have others found to be the most persuasive facts, arguments, etc. when talking with their primary care doctors? Is there anything you especially recommend I print out to take with me? What objections can I expect? I'm 34, my weight has yo-yoed up and down during years of diet & exercise programs, but it always rebounds back to around 260. My co-morbidities are depression, symptomatic gallstones, and possible sleep apnea. Mostly, I'm just tired and miserable and worried about what the rest of my life will be like (both physically and emotionally) if I can't get my weight under control. Thanks in advance for any input! — Tally (posted on March 10, 2002)
March 10, 2002
Hi - I am at the research phase, hoping to soon be at the pre-op phase! One
thing I found in my research was the ASBS (American Society of Bariatric
Surgeons) "rationale" for surgery. Here's the link:
http://www.asbs.org/html/rationale/rationale.html
I believe the last 2 paragraphs in particular may be a bit persuasive for a
primary care physician. Good Luck and God Bless - Anna
— Anna L.
March 10, 2002
I suggest going online to the Mayo Clinic. You can print out an editorial
headed "Mayo Clinic Proceedings; The Epidemic of Severe Obesity: The
Value of Surgical Treatment". It is dated July 2000 (volume 75,
number 7). This is from a reputable source and is pretty recent. It's
fact-filled and contains their findings as well as cites NIH data. It is 4
pages long so I suggest you do some highlighting before handing it to your
doctor (or anyone). Its a very honest look at treatment options for the
morbidly obese. Their finding of WLS are on the conservative side of
things but with very direct statements on the failure rate of diets
(considering both behavioral modifications and use of drug therapies as
well) it is a very convincing article.
— Shelly S.
March 10, 2002
Not to hog the space but thought I should mention that you don't need to
discuss exactly what type of WLS you're considering. If your PCP welcomes
the idea with open arms great, talk in depth. If not, I'd consider
approaching it a little differently. Let her know how you feel about your
weight, let her know you've been looking into the surgical option and show
her the information to support your idea that this "MIGHT be an avenue
you'd like to explore". If she's hesitant or not receptive to your
ideas at all. See if she'll give you your referral just so you can
"find out more information..expore and learn more about it."
Putting it that way make her feel less uneasy about giving you a referral
for a treatment she's uneasy with. Like this, she's not referring you for
the treatment, but helping you further your knowledge and explore your
options. Not sure I'm making myself clear, but I hope you get the idea.
— Shelly S.
March 10, 2002
The biggest question you need to ask yourself is have you made up your mind
as to having this surgery. This includes research, research and more
research. If you have, then you need reenforcement and support from your
pcp. The subject should be are you willing to support me in my decision and
willing to follow up on my care along with my surgeon during the first few
years after my surgery and are you willing to pick up the slack when my
surgeon follows up only once every year or two after the first couple
years. If you are in the initial research stage, then asking your pcp what
his/her opinion is on this surgery never hurts. But make sure you keep an
open mind and don't let the doc encourage or discourage you. You have to
make the final decision for your body and your health. My biggest thing I
guess is just having an open mind and as selfish as it may sound(and no it
is not) is how are you going to help and support me in making good medical
decisions in my life. I wish you good luck and God bless with you
appointment tomorrow.
— Jan M.
March 10, 2002
My PCP was very supportive. I would approach her in a manner that "I
cannot do this without your total support and I hope I can count on you. I
have made this decision and I need you to support me on this one."
Tell her you are doing this as a preventive measure for the future. As in
my situation, I come from a family history of heart disease, high blood
pressure, cholosterol, arthritis, etc. My PCP knew all that and HE TOLD ME
diabetes was lurking around the corner if I did not take control. It's
your body. You are taking control and you need her support. Hope this
helps some and, keep us posted. Good luck to you.
— blank first name B.
March 10, 2002
Another thing, you are a young woman. Don't wait until you are old (50
like me) to do this surgery. Sound firm when you talk to the PCP and let
her know this is what you want. You are doing this for QUALITY of life.
Again, ask for her support.
— blank first name B.
March 10, 2002
Don't fret over this, your PCP may surprise you. Mine was the one who
suggested it to me as an option over a year ago. At the time I thought
no...but about 5 months later I began to consider and research. Be honest
with her/him about how you feel, your health concerns and how your weight
is impacting your life. Good luck today!
— AJC750
March 10, 2002
I see my PCP often and she knew how depressed I have been. I had told her
in a visit a few months prior that I sometimes felt suicidal. She was very
angry at that and told me so. Not so much angry at me personally, but at
the thought that I felt I had so little to live for and she didn't agree.
Anyway, I was reluctant to broach the subject of surgery with her, but as
soon as the words were out of my mouth, she said she thought it was a good
idea. We talked a little more and discussed the fact that, although I
wasn't putting a gun to my head, I was killing myself with my weight and
unless I did something about it, I would probably be dead in just a few
more years.
— garw
March 11, 2002
Thanks for all of the great advice and support -- it really helped. I saw
my doctor today and it went okay -- I came out with a referral, at least.
She has her reservations about the surgery (see my profile for details),
but I believe she'll be on my side when it counts. Thanks again!
— Tally
Click Here to Return