Doctor Wont Give Referral

Maybe when the patients asked for WLS referral... he says there are too many problems with lap-band...if he is not overly informed he may not know there are other WLS out there...which would lead me to believe he is not up to date...on anything for WLS.  He should just refer for WLS...let the patient decide on the surgery, with surgeon advice. 

Note that even on the American Baraitic society site (that surgeons join), it says patients should decide...so look that up and show that to your dear Dr.   I don't have the link to hand but it is in the docs there somewhere...and I believe the Canadian drs are also members of the ASMBS.  So...the family Dr. is not expected to have all the ins and out...they send you to the specialist who can conclude with the right facts.

As for smoking...my Surgeon in Germany refuses to "do" you if you smoke.  The thinking of many Doctors is ....Why save you if you are killing yourself anyway.  Not my quote by the way...but I will say..if you smoke...and you have the DS...think long and hard about quiting...I was in pain listening to this woman beside me in intensive care coughing up a lung after some surgery she said.  I asked the nurse what was wrong with the lady..she said the surgery was not her problem, but she was a smoker...and surgery is so hard on your lungs when it is longer...this lady was coughing up flem for hours.  It make quite an impression on me let me tell you...I will not restart smoking that is for sure.

so...as a constructive suggestion....try Looking on the Canadian Bariatric Society site for some reference to take into your Dr. to show him you meet the overall criteria...and he is just referring you...your specialist will take it from there.
http://www.obesitynetwork.ca/

you may be stuck with this Family Dr...so man yourself with the facts.....and find it on official medical sites.

Good luck...and we here will help search for references you can put together.

Good Luck,
C

Thank you all so much for your advice. Unfortunately after coming back from the doctor she gets a call that a family member has passed away. I will be sure to pass all you advice on to her.