How to go about finding a pro WLS Dr. ?

Hi I am new to all this  and  i  have  Anthem california care school employee Blue Cross HMO and live in Victorville, Ca.  My  question is  this how  many  times  did  many of  you  have to switch  your  PCP  until  you found a  dr  who  is  pro  WLS.?  How  do  you  find a  good  PCP  who  is pro WLS?  I called Anthem and posed this  same qustion  to them and they  didnt  know the answer either.  HOWEVER,  they  said  i  have the coverage  on my group plan from work,  and with my   sleep apnea  and self assessing (OH bmi  tracker  according to my  ht and wt)  my  BMI  is  way, way qualifable 52 bmi............So  how  do i sell a  dr  on  referring  me  for WLS?

Also,  how do i find a  support group for the Victorville  area??????
Any  help  you can direct  me  towards would be greatly appriciated!


Laura

Hi and welcome to the boards

I cant help you with the doctor issue. My doctor was supportive after a little hesitation. I pleaded my case with him and he was on board. Maybe just sit with him and explain that you have done the research and you feel its the best road for you.

As far as the support group, there is on I believe in Hesperia once a month put on by Dr. Suh and Crown Bariatric. Click on the doctors name by my avatar and it should take you to their home page and you can find the schedule there.

Have a great day........Rick

Good Morning Laura,

While I won't be much help with your questions, I wanted to welcome you to the Cali board.  A great and supportive group of wonderful folks who will be here for you.  I was very lucky, my PCP was supportive in my decision from Day one.  He is very pleased with my progress thus far and has taken over my care again post surgery and I get my labs done more often than if I went to the surgeon, so I like that.

There are many folks that live in your neck of the woods that can give you some sound advice as far as support groups and PCP's and they have frequent get togethers too.

So welcome again, so glad you're going to include us on your journey!

Barb

Hi Laura,

When I had my surgey I went through 3 groups/doctors before I found one that was Pro WLS.  The way I did that was that I got the list of all PCP's in my area and called each one and explained my situation and basically made an appointment with the one whose staff said that he had several patients that he had referred for WLS and knew what paperwork had to be submitted to get the approvals.  Additionally I asked him which medical group that he was part of I should join who was also pro WLS.  The problem is often not the doctor but the medical group that doesn't want to spend the money. Once I saw him, I realized I was very lucky to have found him because he was also a very kind, caring and good phycisian.  So grab your list of doctors and start calling and asking questions.

As for support groups up in Victorville, I know there is one that meets but I don't know the details.  Look for Rhonda on the board and she can tell you.  She's been busy with company the last few days but she'll be back and can give you the details.  Also Celest and Sue Bee have a monthly Hi Desert Dinner in Victorville.  They just had July's last weekend and I imagine because they are hosting a campout at Silverwood next weekend that there will not be a dinner this month, but I'm sure they'll post for September.  Jus****ch for the posts and you should plan on going.  They are wonderful people.  I try to get up the hill when my schedule permits to join them.

Hope this all helps you a bit.  Good luck with your search.

Stephanie

Welcome to the California boards.  I hope that you find, friendship, support and answers to all your questions from this board.  I think that Stephaine answered your questions.  I will tell Rhonda to make sure she reads your post when she is home.  I think she is at church right now.  Anyway, you have plenty of reasons to have WLS, and I am glad that you are seeking it out. 

I would definately ask around your area, and I am sure that you will find yourself a great doctor that will support you.  I had a PPO so I just found myself a WL doctor and told my PCP what I was doing and he was so happy.  All my doctors are happy that I did what I did, while not at goal, I am so much better and healthier than I was. 

Wishing you the best and come back everyday and feel free to participate!

Diane

I switched twice. my suggestion si work backwards. Find a WLS surgeon adn ask his office for some referrals to the Drs they wourk with. Not only will you gte a WLS frindly Dr but you will know they already have a good relationship with each other.

The thought is you don't really need them to be in your corner you just need them to give you what you want.

ooooooooh  i really  like that  idea.....thats pretty creative !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi everyone.....i  went  to my  PCP  and  explained  and  pleaded  ok a  little of  both , but  he  checked  my  BMI  and  the  fact i have sleep apnea  he  said  he  would  put  a referral  through  for  a dietition and have me check into his office  once a month  with a food diary  and check my  wt.

So  i consider this a good  start  I did  find  out  two  support groups  in  my  area.  S my next step is  hookling  up with  one of these groups.