What should I ask my PCP?

IM going to my first vist to a new dr,we just moved here from Kansas a few months ago. Im looking to try and get approval for WLS. I have never been on a dr supervised diet. I was diagnosed with pcos 2 yrs ago and have had trouble with high blood pressure and high sugars. But its been a good 5 yrs since I have had any test run. Can anyone tell me what I should ask the pcp on my future vists to get the ball rolling so to speak. Im toatally lost on this...any help is apprecaited . Thank you. Melissa

Hi Melissa, some questions come to my mind: What hospital does he work out of? Are there any bariatric surgeons in that hospital? How does he feel about WLS? Will he be supportive? More importantly, find out from your insurance company: does it cover WLS and which one? What do they require as far as documentation? Do they require a MD supervised diet and exercise program? If you know that before your PCP visit, perhaps you can discuss diet and exercise at your first visit (and get your first month out of the way!) Tell your doctor that your insurance company requires extensive notes on your diet and exercise plan (if they do require that) to make sure that his notes will includes enough detail. In addition to having a physician behind you, I found it helpful to establish a relationship with someone in the insurance company approval department, someone you can call to find out if they've gotten all the required paperwork, find out how long approval takes, etc.

thank you for answering my question.I found out today from them that I have to have a 12 month supervised diet and exercise program...they are sending me a packet so i can have paperwork stating what I need to have /do. Melissa

Hello Melissa, I too have PCOS. I am on my third month for the supervised diet. My insurance only requires a 6 month diet. They just changed it in Sept of 2006. When I met with my PCP, who I have had for years, she suggested the surgery about 2 years ago. I was bound and determined to do it on my own. Well I finally gave in and admitted that I can't do it on my own. I need something to help me. I spoke with a lady at the Center for Weight Loss and Surgery. She was so helpful. She sent me all this stuff that my PCP needs to fill out. Basically stuff that says what my goals, eating, exercising, and what not are for the month. She says that this is what my ins. company requires. I know I'm rambling but I was nice to see someone else with PCOS and going the same route as myself. Feel free to write anytime. Thanks! Kelly