Hello Everyone!

Hello everyone. My name is Tiffany I am 21, 5'3'' and 324 pounds. I went to the doctors today to try to get approved for gastric bypass surgery and my doctor declined. My doctor told me that he would put me on diet pills in two weeks and take my whole weight loss step by step. I told him that I do have boils on my inner thigh's from them rubbing together and he said that I need to walk against the pain, even when I start to cry, keep walking, and then he will give me ointment to rub on my thighs. I told him about my family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes and some of my problems associated with my obesity. He told me that he wants to focus on two problems per visit. I was so disappointed. I'm just afraid that while he waits around I might have a heart attack or some kind of stroke. I understand that he wants to do things by the book and step by step, but I am tired of living this way. He told me that it could take a year before anything about me changes. I've waited 21 years for changes. I started dieting when I was eight. I was born 10 pounds 11 ounces and I've been overweight since. If anyone has any advise please, share. I want to go to someone else and get a second opinon, I just feel kind of hopless right now. Ps.- I have Tricare insurance and I live in south Georgia- if anyone knows what I can do about this.

Welcome Tiffany!!! Have you been with this doctor for very long? I would think that if you have a doctor that has been with you, he would be more understanding. Or you may just need to find another doctor who is more open to the option of Gastric Bypass. I would personally recommend someone who specializes in Internal Medicine. I know that you will enjoy it here on this board, and I am postive that you will get lots of help and advice. I don't know much about your Inusrance, but we have some pretty savy women on this board that I am sure will help you. Good Luck!!! Cathy Martin

Just gave my daughter a call, she's former military. She said use your search engine or (www.)google.com to locate the Tricare web-site. When you find it look for the link for "find a doctor". Once you find doctors in your area be sure to call their office and ask are they still a Tricare provider. Tricare is a little slow updateing their list. Then ask if this doctor is gastric by-pass friendly. OK your in south Georgia so you might have to ask if they have ever recommened or would they ever recommend a patient for gastric by-pass. Do not give up but DO find another PCP ASAP. The one you have should be reported for his actions.

Tiffany, I wanted to offer hugs and prayers for you and your journey...Theresa

Tiffany, I would try to get in with another Dr. Don't give up!!! Have you ever been tested for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome- PCOS? Boils on the inner thighs are one of the symptoms. Keep us posted and keep coming here for support. I couldn't have gone through and continue to go through this journey with the support of this board. Hugs, TOnya

Tiffany, I have Tricare Prime and they were very WLS friendly. Have you checked in their guidelines for surgery approval? Their coverage of the surgery is explained at: tricare.osd.mil/faqs/question.aspx?ID=1218 (put the http://www. in front of it) In addition, they honor the requirements the referred surgeon. Unfortunately your PCP does not feel that you have done everything to try to lose the weight before pursuing WLS. WLS is not a miracle cure, it is a tool, and you still have to be able to follow dietary guidelines afterward. You need a PCP who feels you would be a successful candidate for the surgery and support you afterward. You don't mention how long you have been with this PCP. Yes, if you feel your PCP is withholding a referral for the surgery only because he/she is not WLS friendly, then find another PCP who is willing to get you a referral to a bariatric surgeon and give you a surgical clearance for the surgery. Just to let you know, among other requirements, the surgeon Tricare referred me to required documentation of two physican supervised diets that were at least 6 months in length. Be prepared to also follow the requirements for the surgery required by the surgeon. Good Luck, Patti

Hi Tiffany, welcome to the board. Don't give up, try and find a support group meeting in your area and maybe someone can help you out finding a new PCP that's knowledgeable about WLS. Also call your insurance carrier and find out all the requirements to get approved and have this information ready when you find a new PCP. Good luck Shon

I have ChampVa and they use the same provider list as Tricare and were very supportive and easy to use. Look in your area for other WLS patients and switch primary docs to whoever they used. I had to switch docs to a WLS friendly doc but after that it was smooth sailing and only took a couple months to get all my tesing done to have surgery (5-21-04 and down 90lbs). DON'T give up honey! You can make this dream a reality for you too! This is like a combination lock... the right numbers open the lock! You just have to keep trying and keep looking to find the right way to get the numbers to add up. If you truly feel this is the chance to get your health and life back then do not take no for an answer.... just find someone who agrees with you (and they're out there baby... thousands of NOW slim healthy people can't be wrong!). You just have to make up your mind and be comitted to this decision and then stick with it until it happens. Luckily with Tricare you won't have a lot of the insurance issues a lot of others have because the military health care system has crunched their numbers and know that this is cheaper in the long run than paying for obesity related illnesses. Good luck... if you need help or anything at all let me know!

As you can tell by the many posts here, we're here to support you in any way we can. I'm not in south Ga - but I'll lend as much of a had as I can. I also would recommend changing PCP's. Mine was VERY encouraging towards the surgery. There is one out there that will help you...you just have to be diligent about it. Also remember this is not a miracle diet. It's a tool - you have to be serious to give up the bad foods and adjust your life to eating healthier. You also have to get some form of exercise in your life. Best of luck to you. I'll keep you in my prayers!

Hi Tiffany! Welcome. I am sorry you have a doctor so close minded. It is DEFINITELY time to find a new doc. Even if WLS doesn't result, no doctor should tell you to walk against the pain of the boils in your legs! I would definitely get the listing of in network doctors approved by your insurance and call them, individually, to determine their theory on WLS if that is what you want. I wish you the best! -Tami