My PCP will not agree to my WLS surgery

Hi Donna, Thank you for responding to me plea. In a way - I also thought the same of WLS back then - and hence I kept trying to engage in different diets. I've been through everything imaginable - PhenFen, Meridia, Grapefruit Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, Weigh****chers, Herbalife, Atkins Diet, LA Weightloss, eating only same food groups at a time to help digestion, doing the traditional way (personal trainer at gym + aerobics classes), eating only packaged foods containing no sugar, among other bingeing/starvation tactics. I just feel like a failure each time, and have spent a lot of money, just to regain the weight again. I need to learn how to change my entire life, acquire a healthy life style - sans yo-yo dieting. This is the reason I am seeking WLS at this time. My knees cannot take another treadmill or aerobic class. I don't want to take any more drugs. I simply want a tool that will give me the due physical gratification for my hard work toward a healthy lifestyle. I am by no means lazy - as I used to play Varsity Tennis & Volleyball in High School even though I weighed 175 lbs (way bigger than the other girls). I understand that you are not saying WLS is the lazy way out - and I thank you for not thinking that way. I also applaud you for your progress with weight loss. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me today - I also feel happy you found much needed support from our WLS buddies. I'm sure you'll reach your goal in no time - keep us abreast of your progress! Kindest Regards, Susie \(^_^)/

Dr. Finkelstein at Beth Israel in Union Square. Her number is 212-844-8800. She is really good. I am a new patient with her because I switched insurance with my new job and I told her at my firsgt appointment that I would like to have a wls. She looked at my paperwork and agreed that it would most likely be best. I even showed her a sample letter that she would need to write and she said she would!!! I would only need to give her something that was more pertinent to her since she did not personally monitor my weight loss attempts. She also said she would support me after the wls to try to get a breast reduction surgery (I'm a 42 F). BUT... I think you can change your doctor's mind, ecpseically if they have been your PCP for awhile. Just be persistent and reiterate that you have tried everything and your body is suffering. Good luck!!!!

Megan - THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for replying to me plea. I have taken her name and number down. I'm so happy she is working with you even though in essence you are new on her roster and your surgery may be fast approaching. I'm also astonished that she has extended herself to helping you with a breast reduction - you PCP rocks! I also have too much cushioning in that area - at a size of (40E). I am now feeling positive about changing PCP's, because it seems for the best. I will keep you abreast of my progress - and will definitely tell you if I switch over to your doctor. Then - who knows - I may see you in her office one Sunny day, and if I do, I will give you a BIG hug for helping me out! Thanks again & Ciao Bella ^_^ susie

You won't even need a breast reduction surgery after you have WLS. Most likely your boobs will shrink with you. I wear the same bra size as you and actually like having big boobs, I am afraid they will disapear once I lose 100lbs lol I know in the past when I had lost weight before (from 218ls to 165lbs) my boobs shrunk from like a 40DD to a 36D. So, wait and see what happens

Hi susie, I am sorry to hear of this. That is just terrible. Some doctors can be true a-holes. Joanne had a good idea in asking the surgeons office for a name of a PCP. That is how I got my PCP and he is super supportive and nice. He is on the north shore of long island so I think that might be too far for you but nonetheless, I can give you his info if you want! Take care and good luck!! xoxo

TAVIA!!! - So good to see you back on the boards. I'm glad your surgery went well, and you seem to be in good spirits. Good lord - thanks for taking care of our Tavia! Well ma lady, after meditating over this last night, I do realize he is definitely not a caring doctor. I took Joanne's advice, and luckily my surgeon was not so busy this morning, and informed me of 2 PCP's he knows of that care for WLS patients post op. So, I'm really happy now, and made appointments with both for next week. If only all PCP's can be like my WL surgeon - life would be good (LOL). Well, in essence life is good - because I have received SOOOOO much support from my OH community, that yesterday I was tearing from the experience. How can so may people I don't even know care about my well being? - and my PCP, who I've been seeing for a year treats me like a stepchild? Oh well - I'm glad to hear from you Tavia, and thanks for being so supportive to a lot of us on OH who are just starting out their journeys! Ciao Bella ^_^ susie

Obviously your pcp is out of his mind, doesn't care and knows nothing about weight loss surgery. My suggestion.................. Get yourself a new pcp that will help you. Weight loss surgery is there for a reason an obviously he doesn't belive in it. Maybe he should be over 300 pounds and know what its like to want something so bad to make your life better. Find someone in your surgeons practice that got a pcp letter and go to their pcp for help. Let us know how you do good luck marie

Marie - thanks for your kind words. Now that I think of it, he's always been kinda dry, and self righteous. Well, you're right - it seems he has never been overweight, otherwise he would sympathize a little more with me. Well, he didn't agree with me on WLS - because he calls it a drastic plumbing job, and about 40% of the patients die from this procedure before their 5 yr anniversary. Obviously - he has not read Dame Tooter's stat pages on OH---> Among other medical journals etc... He is clearly mistaken, and the good thing is that I have been proactive today, spoke to my surgeon this morning, and he gave 2 PCP tele numbers for me to call for appointments. I feel much better now, and I don't mind that this will delay my surgery further, because at least I'm on my way to getting a PCP that will really care for my health. Ciao Bella ^_^ susie

Hello again Susie I am back with the information as promised. I have noticed that you have received some great info. already and I wish you all the best. Very happy to know that things are looking brighter. I had went ahead and called my PCP's office and they do take your insurance and my PCP is still seeing new patients. Use your own judgement and continue to do what you are, but I will email you the info. anyway, here through OH, just so you can keep it handy in case you may wind up needing up. Good luck with everything, and as always, stay strong and God bless you. Liz

LIZ!!! You are truly an ANGEL. Thank you so much for sending me the info for your PCP in upper manhattan. I'm familiar with that area (from the 1 train side). I will definitely call Dr. Nicolau on Monday to speak with her and introduce my situation. PS - I feel so grateful to all of you here on OH that have helped me these past 24 hours - that I am thinking perhaps I should cook for you guys and invite y'all to a picnic at central park?!?! I promise to make it WLS friendly food (lol). Again Liz, thanks a bunch!!! Ciao Bella ^_^ susie