Well that didn't go the way I had hoped......told PCP about upcoming surgery

[SweetCaroline]

Today I saw my PCP. She has been my doc for many years. I had talked to her many times about having WLS; she has been with me throughout my years of struggling - even prescribing me Phentermine to help curb my appetite (I'd lose some then gain it back plus more).
She was a real downer about WLS. She wasn't upset with going to Mexico - she even said that their health care is quite good. She has NO IDEA what the gastric sleeve is! When I explained that I would like to count on her for post op care, she said, "you should go to a surgeon for that: I can't fill up equipment or anything like that". I told her I'm not having lap band surgery - I repeated that it was Gastric Sleeve. I explained I needed her for my overall health care: nutrition, blood draws to make sure things are where they should be, etc. She said she will do it but then went into a diatribe about how most gain their weight back. I asked her how many she has treated that have. She said she has treated one patient. ONE! And that patient gained it all back - 10 years ago!

I was prepared to be "judged" for going to Mexico. I was prepared for her trying to convince me into trying a new weight loss/appetite suppressant (her M.O.). I wasn't prepared for her to not know what the Gastric Sleeve is. I was less prepared for her to tell me about her whole whopping 1 patient from a decade ago who had bypass surgery and then gained it back.

I was hoping that she would be supportive and know what she could do to help post-op. I swear, without this forum and reading through it - I'd feel completely lost/alone in navigating this.

So my rant is over - and I say "thank you" again to all of you. Your posts and questions are educational and helpful!

[Ann2]

I would laugh, except this is such a sad situation -- her ignorance is absolutely shocking.

I swear to God -- sometimes I'd just like to go around and bitch slap idiots. And your PCP, despite the lambskins on her wall, is an ignorant idiot. Her ignorance is one thing -- if she doesn't know, she doesn't know. Although as a physician, she f**king SHOULD know about today's WLS scene, since 69% of all US adults are overweight or obese.

But her claim that "all WLS patients gain their weight back" based on having treated one WLS patient 10 years ago just makes my blood boil.

Honey, you need a new PCP.

Seriously.

A smarter one.

Who's much better educated.

[SweetCaroline]

I would laugh, except this is such a sad situation -- her ignorance is absolutely shocking.

I swear to God -- sometimes I'd just like to go around and bitch slap idiots. And your PCP, despite the lambskins on her wall, is an ignorant idiot. Her ignorance is one thing -- if she doesn't know, she doesn't know. Although as a physician, she f**king SHOULD know about today's WLS scene, since 69% of all US adults are overweight or obese.

But her claim that "all WLS patients gain their weight back" based on having treated one WLS patient 10 years ago just makes my blood boil.

Honey, you need a new PCP.

Seriously.

A smarter one.

Who's much better educated.

My eyes were opened today, that's for sure! She has been good, until now. Today was maddening.

[Maxine7290]

I would start by getting a new PCP!

[Boondocker]

Time for a new PCP ASAP.

[RehabNurse]

Physicians are paid very well for the consultative services they render. Your physician lacks the knowledge that is necessary to properly consult with you and provide your post-sleeve aftercare. In addition, she doesn't know what she doesn't know.

I'm sure she's a nice person, but please find someone who knows what they're doing. She does not deserve to consult with you on matters she knows nothing about. Good luck with your journey!

[SweetCaroline]

Physicians are paid very well for the consultative services they render. Your physician lacks the knowledge that is necessary to properly consult with you and provide your post-sleeve aftercare. In addition, she doesn't know what she doesn't know.

I'm sure she's a nice person, but please find someone who knows what they're doing. She does not deserve to consult with you on matters she knows nothing about. Good luck with your journey!

I knew most would say to get a new PCP - and I certainly will start looking because I'll need someone who is educated in WLS. To be fair, as my PCP for over 8yrs, she has been competent, but today was quite disappointing.

[Belle2]

It was really cruel for her to say that to you... like you needed to be kicked in the gut. I wouldn't take what she said to heart. She is the one who is uninformed. I'm sorry you had that experience. One thing most of us know here is, we have to prepare ourselves for those who are anti wls. Unfortunately you didn't expect to get this from a health professional. Find someone who will be willing to do labs and treat you post op, and the rest of your life. You are the patient/customer so start interviewing new doctors. Tell them what you will need from them. I wish you the best of luck!

[SweetCaroline]

It was really cruel for her to say that to you... like you needed to be kicked in the gut. I wouldn't take what she said to heart. She is the one who is uninformed. I'm sorry you had that experience. One thing most of us know here is, we have to prepare ourselves for those who are anti wls. Unfortunately you didn't expect to get this from a health professional. Find someone who will be willing to do labs and treat you post op, and the rest of your life. You are the patient/customer so start interviewing new doctors. Tell them what you will need from them. I wish you the best of luck!

It's unfortunate that I have to add that to my list of things to do. I felt like I was pretty well prepared for surgery, but I have a lot to learn about post-op care/diet/nutrition.

I wrote to my PCP tonight through my account connected to her office. I expressed my disappointment in my discussion with her. I also told her it was clear that she had no idea what a vertical sleeve gastrectomy was. I asked if she would be interested in learning more, gave her my surgeon's info, where I am going, and explained my concern with her and my post-op care.
I would hope that she would want to learn more and help her patients. I'd like to give her that chance. If she chooses not to take the lesson, I'll move on.

[tinman]

You need a new PCP ASAP and PDQ.

[jrzygmom]

I totally agree with Robert (tinman) you need a new PCP ASAP - that was inexcusable.

[joe50]

Get a new pcp now you may need a letter of medical necessity you need the new pcp to get to know your problems

[Sarcastic_Bard]

I'm sorry that you went through this and I know this doctor has been your primary for years, but I have to chime in with everyone else. You need a PCP who is knowledgeable and supportive about this surgery. This is major surgery and you have to be able to go to a PCP who knows the risks and possible complications, knows what to look for and check, and wants to help you work with your new stomach towards a healthier happier body. I can understand you feeling a sense of loyalty towards this PCP because of how long your patient/doctor relationship has been, but she's not being loyal to you right now.

You don't want a PCP who is going to criticize you and scare you with outdated information and factless opinions. You don't want a PCP who is going to miss a possible stricture or hernia because she doesn't even know what potential complications could arise. You want a PCP who is going to want to be a part of your success and provide you the best care after this lifestyle changing surgery, someone who gets as excited as you when you see the scale, who double checks your bloodwork specifically to make sure you aren't deficient, who congratulates you as they make the informed decision to take you off a medication. This is the way I look at it; I have embarked on a major journey. I want people who want to travel alongside me making the journey successful and uplifting. What I don't want is someone on my journey who sits on the ground criticizing the "vehicle" in which I have chosen to travel, when they don't even know how to operate the damn vehicle. If that makes sense...

[SweetCaroline]

***UPDATE***. My doctor called me based on my message/concerns I sent yesterday.
She said she is not comfortable treating me post op for anything other than nutrition.
If any infection or complications arise - she won't treat me for those.

That answers that. I'm super pissed. New PCP search begins......how's this for an opening question: "will you treat patients who have had surgery outside the country??" ��

[Sarcastic_Bard]

Well that's a load of crap. I mean, I'm not really that surprised based on the way she spoke with you at your last appointment, but...wow. What a load of suck.

Good luck in your new search; you are making the right decision not to compromise your well being by sticking with her. I would modify your question to include if they treat patients who have had bariatric surgery, regardless of where, and if they are in support of that treatment option. Because if they aren't, there's no point in making an appointment at all.