Doctor Wont Give Referral

A friend of mine went to the doctor yesterday. She wants to get lapband sugery. Her doctor said no. Her reasons for saying no were
1. she smokes
2. she is not heavy enough (even though her BMI is 43)
3. Quote from doc. "They are having too many problems with lapband"  

I feel so bad for her. Her doctor told her to go to Weigh****chers  grrrrr   She has been on every diet out there already. What can you do if your family doctor says no other then go out of province and pay for it yourself?

No advice but what an ignorant doctor!

I agree with you. I think that's horrible that he wouldn't give a referral.

I wonder if she could go to a clinic, or outpatients to get one? Does she go to STU or UNB because maybe she could go to the student clinic and get one there - they're pretty understanding there.

It is not for him to decide.  It is up to the surgeon to decide.  I would recommend she find another doctor somehow - an after hours clinic - outpatients.  He is not a very good doctor if he is using those reasons.  It shows that he is not learned nor interested in expanding his knowledge base.  Somewhere there must be a doctor that she can meet with briefly who can help her.  I feel so bad for her.  Its idiots like that who are causing deaths out of ignorance. 
Ann

And I quote “They are having too many problems with lapband”   Oh really?   What about the diabetes problems? Heat problems? Arthritis problems? Hypertension problems?   We are in the 2000’s after all.    

Why don't you call the surgeon's office and ask their advice.  Hopefully they could offer something.

Good idea Patsy. 
My next question is  - to what problems is he referring.  Its news to me that there are too many problems.  No more problems or complications than a bypass.  Lower mortality rate.  What the heck is he talking about?  If there is something I should have known well I want to know now.  I did my research and based on my extensive research and current experience - I think this doctor is just an opinionated idiot.
Ann

oh he is an idiot for sure.  he must be referring to band slippage or erosion or something.  but i'd say he didn't do his own research.  the occurances are not significant.   he's wrong denying her the option to discuss with the surgeon.  makes me mad.  grrrrr

I am with you Patsy,  He is very wrong to do this.  He certainly does not have the patient's best interests at heart.  He is being judgmental and ignorant.  I sure hope she can find someone who will be kind enough, smart enough and brave enough to refer her to either Dr. Beau or Dr. Savoie and let them decide what is best for her. 

What the H*** does smoking have to do with it?  The first thing I would do would be to look up the Medicare criteria. I woud write a summary of the diets she tried and the results.   Then I would look up some recent research and print it. I would give that to the doctor to read. I would also file a complaint with the medical society. I would also do as Patsy suggested and call the 2 surgeon's offices.