Fort Lewis, WA! I need help finding a good PCP/PCM

Hello there, I was wondering if anybody was or is stationed around Fort Lewis, WA and can help me find an Off-Post Primary Care Physician/Manager? I am looking for a PCM that does not judge overweight people, is very friendly (sense of humor would be a plus, incl. Office staff), listens to his/her patient and does not rush you (out of the office or into tests), if you know a PCM/PCP like that would you mind giving me his or her Name and number, I really would appreciate it. Thank you so much for your help and best wishes to all of you for the future. Sandy

Sandy, I'm not familiar with any docs in WA, but I am familiar with having to find a civilian PCM, and I totally understand wanting to find one that is friendly to overweight people. I went to my new PCM for the first time back in May. I chose a woman thinking maybe she'd understand my situation. She was very friendly and spent lots of time with me, but she had no idea about WLS. (She's from Puerto Rico) I had to actually draw her a picture and explain what a RNY was. Needless to say, I found a new civilian PCM. What I'd suggest is call a few of the doctor's offices that are in network and ask to speak to a nurse. Then explain to the nurse your sitiation and ask if that particular doctor supports patients seeking WLS. Some doctors don't and will push for dieting (like you haven't already spent most of your life dieting). The nurse should be honest with you and this should save you alot of time. Also, if you don't like a particular doc, you can always go see another. Good luck and stay persistant! Lisa

Sandy, Where in WA are you? I go to an off-post PCM in Lacey (Olympia) and I just LOVE him! I swear...if I weren't married...lol j/k. Seriously, when I went in for my initial consult, him and his nurse spent a combined total of more than TWO HOURS with me! He was very friendly, compassionate, understanding, and made sure he didn't leave the room until we had discussed everything on my (rather long) list of topics I brought with me. It was amazing - my poor husband was out in the car waiting with the kids, and he was thinking maybe I slipped out the back door and took off without him or something lol. If you haven't already found a PCM, I'd be more than happy to give you his name/number. My husband and I are considering moving up to Tacoma in April, but I plan to keep my PCM - it's worth the extra trip! Let me know! My e-mail addy is [email protected] - I'd probably reply quicker that way, since I'm traveling right now and haven't checked the boards in a while. Keri