Still Confused

Well, I just got home from an appointment with my pcp who will not support my decision to have WLS. I thought I would just meet with him to see what he had to say about WLS and to also express my feelings about why I would like to have the surgery. He still insists that I do not need the surgery, and that there's lots of complications from this surgery. He proceeded to prescribe me with Adipex and also Byetta along with a stronger refill prescription on my 2-blood pressure medications (Prinzide & Norvasz), because my blood pressure will become elevated by taking the Adipex. Here's where I'm really stuck...My surgeon consulation is scheduled for Feb. 14th, do I keep that appointment? I've already been for my pych evaluation and have also had by blood tests completed, so I've already got myself pretty much geared up for this whole WLS thing. Do I change pcp's and if so, do I have to wait another year to estalish a relationship with the new pcp before the WLS will happen. I need all the help & opinions I can get at this point.

What is it that YOU want? What is it that YOU desire? then follow YOUR dreams and wishes. I would get another PCP myself. I would keep the appointment. I would do what it is I want and not let my PCP dictate to me what to do or not. Some PCP's simply want to hand out prescriptions. My PCP wanted me to not only have the surgery, but she herself had had it done. Get someone who will support YOU and not hand you a piece of paper for the drugstore!!!!!!!!! This is your life. Not theirs. And also it is important that you do what it is that YOU want to do, because you are the one who has to live with you, not them. Hope that helps. I could never do this without support of my PCP, so I recommend that you find another one and call around and ask them up front. DO YOU SUPPORT WLS? There are plenty of good PCP's out there (and not so good!) who will support you. I waited 10 years before my WLS happened. It will speed up for you once you have the support you need from a PCP who would rather see you succeed than hand you paper for the drugstore. Hugs! Good Luck! Stacey W

Keep your appointment with your surgeon. Tell him/her about your PCP. If you are a candidate for surgery, the office should be able to help you find a way to make it happen. Write down all of your questions and experiences. If your surgeon's office is worth it's weight in Splenda, they will know exactly what to do to help you acheive your goal. Good Luck!

When I first met my PCP in March of 06 I told him that I was considering doing WLS. I then was diagnosed with HB. I seen him each month for the past year and last Dec. I told him I had finally made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. He asked me what he needed to do to help me get approved. He has been very helpful with it all. He is located in Waterford and I have never had one complaint about him or his office staff. He gets me right in if I'm sick or need to be seen. I know it's a drive from Riverview but it's an option of a Dr. who agress with this surgery. You can always see another Dr. and just have all your history from the Dr. who is giving you the problem sent over.

Do not take the adipex!!!!!!!! With hx of high bp this can cause pulmonary hypretension even with the increase of bp meds your dr gave you......... What is he thinking????? The sugery has complications...... But lets give her a combanation of pills that could have any side affects.... Stroke... Sob...... Fluid on the lungs.... Low bp because lets face it he has no idea how incerasing your bp med with adipex will work every body is different!!!!! Yeah sugery has alot of complications hahaha ....... Get a new dr now!!!!!!!!! Jenny b wise

If it were me, I would call the Dr.'s office, tell them I would like copies of all my medical records by 2/12, and tell them I will be there at a specific time to pick them up. I would definately keep my appt. with my WLS. I also took adipex...yes, it did surpress the appetite for a while, I lost 20 lbs, but then it stopped working and I gained it all back. It also does raise your blood pressure and you cannot sleep very well. I would also post on the board here asking if anyone knows of a supportive pcp in your area. This board if full of information! I think your Dr. is probably concerned, but upping your bp meds and giving you adipex is just not the answer. Best of luck! Theresa

Does yur BMI indicate you are in immediate need of surgery? Are there comorbidities? Are you aware of the complications common to this surgery,now and further out and the rest of your life? Do you have a longstanding relationship with this doctor and a general respect for his opinion? Surgeons make money by doing surgery. It is in their best interest to do surgery. PCPs have no monetary stake in it, their opinions are not based in money. There are complications, they can be as simple as constant constipation (hemorrhoid surgery and anal fissures are painful results of constipation, as well as the potential of a lifetime of laxatives and planning your life around a bathroom) or as complicated as ulcers, stroke, blood clots and death. The surgery itself is a huge strain on your entire system, anesthesia can cause death or permanent injury as well. I don't know your situation, who depends on you, what shape you are in, if you will always have insurance that covers any possible problems. Please, look carefully at this decision, know that it isn't magic and that it will require the same dedication to diet and exercise that your pcp is asking of you now. If I hadn't been looking at a certain and almost immediate death without the surgery, I would not have had it. I would hope that you look very carefully at the long term before making a decision. Please, look carefully at your doctor's objections before you shop for another doctor who will okay it. Best wishes with your journey, whichever roads you take.