Doctor issues - overweight patient

AmyDuby

Some background first - I am new to TheBump and hoping someone could help me.  I know that being pregnant is supposed to be an exciting and happy time (with a little nervousness thown in), but I am having a difficult time. I went to The Women's Group because everyone told me how great they were.  I went through the entire gyn appointment, including the sit down with the doctor to discuss that we were trying to conceive.  After I got dressed and was excited to have found a new doctor she came back into the room and informed me "her practice wouldn't treat me because I was 330 lbs and considered high risk".  I left and cried in the car for over an hour.

It is 10 months later and I just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant.  I am extremely excited and healthy in every other way but my weight.  I was so scared to find a doctor that would treat me, but last week I started calling, telling them upfront my weight to save from an embarrasing situation again.  I called over 15 doctors last Monday - ALL of them said they wouldn't treat me because I was "high risk".  I then called a few "high risk" doctors who told me they wouldn't see me either (got referrals from the hospital). 

I finally found a doctors office who said they "think they wouldn't have a problem" (nurses answer not doctor).  I have an appointment scheduled, but I was hoping that someone on here would KNOW of someone I could see.  I am so scared right now that I am going to be having this baby in my garage with no prenatal care because no one will see me.

Any help finding a doctor would be great - I know I will have a healthy pregnancy I just need a doctor who can see it.

HTS99

Where in the area are you located???

 I highly recommend Dr. Hugo Perez-Artilles, located in Clearwater (also has an office located north of that too in Holiday? I think)

I believe his practice is All FemCare. He delivered my second son, and I was about 80 pounds overweight at the time. He also delivered my friend's daughter, and at the time (before pregnancy) she was approximately 100 pounds overweight. He is not a high risk doctor but I know firsthand that he has had experience delivering overweight patients. Unfortunately I have since gained weight and I don't know if I am able to see him or not?--- my doctor here in ST. Pete said that if I got pregnant, he would refer me to a high risk doctor who delivers out of Bayfront. His name is Dr. Montenegro I believe.

I hope I was able to help you! I'm curious now, so please let me know - feel free to email me (hi, my name is Laura) at CarrFam@tampabay.rr.com.

 

Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!! Best wishes for a happy and healthy 9 months ahead!!

HTS99

Oh, I forgot to add Dr. Perez' number:

727-785-7686

AmyDuby

Thanks so much - I have an appointment set for next Wednesday for my 8 week check up so we will see how it goes.  I will follow up and let you know!

tmp-619593937501691

I just want to wish you good luck at your appt!  Everyone should be given equal access to quality care.  May you have a wonderful doctor and a happy healthy baby!

PaxMommy

I wish you luck. If that dr. does not work out I have a Dr. for you. My dr was great. he?specialized?in high risk. i wasn't but he takes anyone! I gained 85 lbs due to medical reasons and was around 312 Paxtons due date. He never once brought my?weight?into it! Let me know if you need his name!

cleo570

The University of South Florida has a large OB/Gyn group, including high-risk pregnancy specialists.  One of my co-workers sees them (she has other medical conditions) and thinks that they're all very good doctors.  They practice out of Tampa General.  www.health.usf.edu

XOXOJami

I was searching on the internet for posts related to this one, and was glad I found it. I'm 14 week pregnant, and am going through the exact same thing. I found out late that I was expecting and have been in a rush to find a doctor. I got an appointment and this morning was told the same thing you were. Due to my BMI, they couldn't care for me during my pregnancy and if I couldn't find someone they would refer me to someone out of Bayfront. I don't even want to deliver at Bayfront. I have no health problems, no high blood pressure and I think it is ridiculous that they true you so badly for being overweight. If you can share with me which doctor you went to I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm going crazy calling places, since I've had two other doctors over the phone tell me I need to go to the place in Bayfront. They didn't even ask me what my height or weight was. I was thinking of calling Dr. Perez, but was hoping to find a female doctor. Any added suggestions would be fabulous!

tawnee801

Bayfront is the only hospital in the county with RIPCC's which is authorized by the state to perform high risk pregnancies. Tampa General also does them too if you do not like Bayfront.  Bayfront is a great hospital and specializes in this type of high risk pregnancies as well as others and an intensive neonatal unit (as well as All Children's Hospital - which is across the street if the baby needs to be transported).  I delivered at Morton Plant.  But I work in Medical Insurance and Bayfront and TGH are always needed due to this RIPCC's status.  Here is the State's website that describes the program in detail: https://www.doh.state.fl.us/alternatesites/cms-kids/providers/rpicc.html

 

Good luck to both of you! 

rose-marie

sorry to hear you were refused treatment. I think the most important person here is the child and MD's took an oath to serve all. I know we live in a SUE CRAZY society, but this group MAKES you sign an arbritation agreement form. Therefore I don't know why you were denied by the Women's Group. I changed them because I did not like all of the MD's in the group. Rude to say the least. I am now getting treatment in Plant City by Focus and love it. Better treatment and does more for me at a conservitave level. I will be delivering at St Florida Hsopital in which has treated me better than St Joes, which are the same company and I work for it. I have been treated rudely at St Joes 2x's and won't send my dog there for treatment ever!!!!! Sorry, Back on track, as I said before, too bad you had to go through this. I am also High risk, Age, Wt and past GYN Hx. Best of Luck and keep the faith.