Asking Dr. for DS instead of RNY. Suggestions?

Hi all, Do any of y'all have suggestions on how I should approach my PCP with this? He's already given me a referral to have the RNY, and given me the go-ahead to get it...but I've learned SOOOO MUCH about the DS, that I've changed my mind about the RNY...and I'm sooooo hesitant to ask my doctor for another referral - and to a different doctor - that does the DS. Any suggestions on approaching my doc? Thanks in advance. Anne

Hey Anne. I'd just be totally direct and honest, tell him that after careful research and much consideration you've decided that the DS would be a better fit for your lifestyle and therefore will afford you the best chance for success. If he truly cares about your health and well-being I don't know why he wouldn't want to accomodate you. Then again, I've never dealt with an HMO and referrals so I don't know how stingy they can be about giving them out. It wouldn't hurt to go in armed with a bit of information, like a printout of the surgery description from duodenalswitch.com and the Hess report. I actually emailed my endocrinologist last week to let him know I had WLS, as he had recommended. I also told him about the DS and why I chose it, the reputation it has for curing diabetes, and sent a short list of links where his practice could get further information. He was very appreciative to receive the information and said he would forward it to his clinical director at the University of Michigan Hospitals. A good doctor should be receptive to new information and the reasonable requests of his/her patients. I hope it goes well, let us know. Annie

K, thanks Annie B. I don't have HMO presently, I'm on the state Medicaid system, and as far as I understand, in WA state, they ONLY cover the RNY. I'd LIKE VERY MUCH to get the DS. I even want to get it OUT OF STATE (cuz in-state doctors for DS are few and far between - our state is the home of Dr. Heap, and his office won't accept Medicaid). Thanks, though. I think being honest and direct is my best approach, too. I've already printed out the RNY vs DS from duodenalswitch.com. I'm thankful for your reminder to print out the Hess information, too. Gracias! Anne

Anne, Just tell the truth! "I've changed my mind. After doing lots of research I feel this is a better fit for me as I don't think I can live with the restrictions of the RNY...blah, blah, blah." Whatever YOUR truth is, is the answer. You go girl! Best regards, Fern B. 267/176/150 (who knows?)

Hey been there done that, only I had to tell the doc that was going to give me the RNY that I wanted to cancel. The day before pre-op to boot. By the way I went to the DS doc first to be sure I knew all I needed to know and that I had the list of things my PCP needes to do for me. I go next Tuesday to see my PCP. Now when you go to the PCP be sure you are well informed,... about the DS because more then likely he isn't going to know a whole lot about it. My ortho guy was amazed, and thought it was a better way for me to go and my PCP doesn't even know I have changed my mind yet. Be very confedent with everything that you say about it and there won't be any worries (unless he's in cohoots with the RNY doc and gets an under the table cut),... just kidding. Good luck with your doc and so glad to hear your a switcher too. I hope you feel as relieved as I did when I finally made my mind up, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Best wishes on your new journey. Marylin newbie switcher

I see your on Medicaid too, the doctor I went to see Dr. Gary Anthone takes Medicaid and Medicare both,.. not sure how you would get to NE but it was a thought. I live in Missouri and I was so relieve to find such a wonderful doctor, (jeanie told me so too) just about 300 miles away. anyways another 2 cents worth. Marylin newbie switcher

So, I should go to the DS surgeon, and ask him for instructions on how to start this process? I guess that's what I'm gathering from the responses I've got so far on this question? Then, I can go back to my doctor for the referral, and let him know what the surgeon needs prior to the surgery? Are those my next steps? I wish there was a compass for this trip. Thanks, Marylin, I'm so glad you got switched by THE professional, Dr. Anthone. I wish I could get it done by the doctors in California at USC, I know they accept MediCal, but I'm not from California, so I might HAVE to go with a DS doctor near this state because of the distance difference. It's so hard to get through the hoops in the system when they are hiding! Oy! Feeling lost (again), Anne

Be assertive, professional, calm, and well informed. Accept no BS. Take no prisoners. Accept nothing less than what you want. You are talking about the rest of your life here. Let us know how you do!

I am getting my ds from a rny doctor with a ds doctor assisting, the rny doctor is the surgeon of record,for the insurance company and the ds doctor is assisting, technically, He is the teacher /proffesor of surgery at the university med center. I you need to travel, the air rates from washington to nyc might be more favorable than in midwest city,.

Let's remember that Doctors are people, not GODS. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. If you've done your research you should be able to engage your Doctor in an intelligent conversation about why the DS is better for you and your health. Doctor's are paid to perform a service. You should listen to his recommendations and consider them when making your decision. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Forge on!