my gp won't refer me to a surgeon yet

I went in for my annual check up 2 weeks ago. I had gained 23 pounds since a year ago but I was in otherwise good health. I told my doctor that I was interested in WLS but he wouldn't give me a referral as long as I'm healthy. He instead gave me a diet and exercise plan and suggested that I join a weight loss group. I am 27 years old, 5'2" tall and weigh 336 pounds. I've gained 91 pounds since graduating from highschool in 1996 which is mainly because I love food and I am somewhat of a couch potato. I've tried numerous diets only to later gain back everything that I lossed and then some but I plan to make lifestyle changes in this new year. I never did care for weigh****chers since most members need to only lose 20-30 pounds. I want to lose 150-200 pounds. I often feel like some sort of freak when I go to work or church since I am at least 100 pounds heavier than my peers. I also would like to correspond with others around my age who are considering surgery or just need to lose 100+ pounds.

Sweetheart, I suggest you change your doctor immediately. Any physician that does not support wls at that weight needs to be changed. I would suggest after you get a new doctor that you immediately have them do a diet plan for you and you weigh in for the next 6 months because most insurance companies are requiring this. You should not feel like a freak. Remember surgery can change your outside, but we have to change our inside. I wish you success!

Find a NEW doc right away! I suggest that you call a surgeon who does this type of surgery in your area and ask him who is a WLS friendly PCP in your area. Depending on the type of insurance that you have, you may be needing a referal to him/her from your PCP. Also, there are lots of insurances that do not even require a referal. So check out your insurance first, then proceed. Best of luck to you! Patticake

I would agree--change doctors. However, many insurance companies require documented evidence that you have tried physician supervised diets, so this experience may not be wasted. Don't wait for serious health problems to develop. You are a much better candidate for surgery BEFORE problems set in. You are not a freak--you have a medical condition called morbid obesity that needs to be addressed. You need a doctor that understands that! Let us know how you do. Joy WLS 3/1/2004

Mindy, Do you have an OB/GYN? Insurance companies require a referral from a primary care phycician (PCP) and the doctors that fall into this catagory are OB/GYN, internist, family/general practice doctors and pediatritions (which wouldn't matter for you). I went through my OB/GYN for the referral and also the weight loss history. I trusted him most because he was so wonderful while I was pregnant and happened to be the doctor I knew and trusted most. If you do not have another PCP you see regularly, I would also suggest to find a new doc. Jamie (RNY 12/22/04)