can someone please help me....

I am working on my 6 month weight loss history for my Insurance co., and every month when I go back I have gained, not lost any & my PCP told me today that the Dr. would NOT do my surgery if I didn't show some weight loss, can anyone tell me if that is true or not? If I could loose weight on my own I wouldn't be thinking of the surgery but I can't. I feel like I am retaining fluid for some reason. I haven't had my monthly thing now in almost 4 months. I just feel awful. I am so depressed & mad at myself. I am having MAJOR stomach pains on the left side under my breast & have been back 2 weeks in a row & they can't figure out what it is. It is hurting so bad. If anyone had to do the 6 month history please tell me about your experience with your PCP. I don't mean to tell everyone all my problems but I figured if anyone could help it would be you all. Thanks for listening. Hugs, Tammy Gunter

I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this. Maybe we can get together and figure something out. I am here for you. Hugs, Debra =^..^=

Hi, Tammy! I have tried for many months to lose weight but I could never loose a pound, I stayed at 256 for 2 years, I had surgery on Nov 29 04, before I could have the surgery the Dr said I had to lose 20lbs, well, I lost 6lbs before surgery, the nurses told me something is better than nothing, what I did was I joined a Jazzercise class and stopped eating starches, I should have mentioned that it took me 3 weeks to drop any weight, so try something that is easy for you, even if it is walking down the street, the nurses also said that the dr looks at your BMI more so then weight, Good luck to you and if you need me just email me, I will keep you in my prayers Tina

Tammy, I was required to lose 20lbs before surgery. The thing you have to remember that this surgery is a tool that will assist you in loosing your weight. So most doctor's want to see if your ready for this. You start now eating healthy and exercising. As long as you lose something you will get your surgery. But if you go back and keep gaining he may think your not committed to having this assist to your life long weight lose journey? Start with not having rice, breads of any kind, flour, pasta, fruits, sugars, and potatoes. Just by not eating these things will help you a lot! I only lost 10 lbs when I went back but I was able to have my surgery still. Good luck and I hope this helps. Lisha H

Tammy, Let me reassure you. Dr. Proctor treats every patient as an individual, however, I was told, and I was proof, that he does NOT require weight loss before surgery. When I started I weighed 311, and a month later, near my surgery date, I weighed 323. Now, I cannot promise you will be the same, but I was told by someone in his office, that he does not require it. My surgery went ahead as planned. It is the insurance company that may not approve the surgery if you don't have the history. Now, as far as my PCP...he is an angel too. I can give you his name, he is in Auburn, not far from you. If you have BCBS, like me, a 6 month history does not have to start now. It is a past or present history. I went to my ob gyn, and my PCP. Requested all my records. Every single time one of the them noted something like "patient to try lower calorie, more aerobics, patient to try higher protein, etc..." THERE is your diet history!!! Those are supervised diets. If you ever saw a nutrionist, or went to someplace like weigh****chers, jenny craig, quick weight loss, those are also supervised diets. They do not have to be 6 months in a row. It could be one month here and one month there. It sounds to me like your PCP is going to be one of those hard nosed doctors. I went to mine, requested the tests I needed, and he agreed that I needed them. I drafted my own letter, and he agreed with all my points and signed it. I am sure he would have NEVER done that if he didn't agree with this surgery, and my medical condition. Most PCP's don't know what a patient's surgeon requires. They just go by hearsay. It is up to the patient to know what the surgeon wants. I did all the footwork, phone calls, paper faxing etc...to lighten the burden. It helped. As far as the pain, can't help you there. But, I did have a similar pain on my back, between my shoulder blades. It was my weight causing the burden. But, that is not to say that is what yours is, and I would have it tested. Your PCP should want to do tests on your lungs and heart, and these could be helpful, sometimes necessary for surgery. Anyway, I really hopes this helps. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them. I am not an expert, but I was a proactive patient and found lots of answers for myself. My surgery was just in November, so I am not that far out. Take care, Kathy

Tammy, I gained during my six month period, but my PCP did not give me a hard time. I think it may be your PCP. Dr. Duncan asked us to lose weight to shrink the liver. I think it is required for those who have higher BMIs. I would make an appointment to see a gynecologist about your lack of periods. It makes me hurt just thinking about it. It may be related to your weight gain?!? Has your PCP started investigating your pains...with tests, etc., not just poking around? I had stomach pains for a few months, but it ended up being my gall bladder. Do you have "episodes," or do you hurt all of the time? I would keep going back to the doctor until you get relief. Big HUGS to you!!! Becky

Thank you all for the information you sent me, it makes me feel better to know I am not the only one that has gained during my 6 month history. You all are so sweet. Thanks again, Also I wanted everyone to know that yesterday when i went to my PCP he put me on a high does of a water pill & today I have been to the bathroom 16 times & I feel much better. Also I haven't had the first pain all day so my fluid retention has to have something to do with my pain. I'll keep you updated. Tammy Gunter