Could cry!!

Saw my reg dr. today for a referal to my surgeon. She went ballistic. Told me that if I couldn't lose weight on my own that this wouldn't work anyway. I told her of my family history of heart disease and diabetes and the other numerous things and she said that family history didn't matter. Am afraid of what she will put in her referal. Anyone else had this problem. Am ready to make the necessary changes in my life for this to work.

Hi Rhonda... I never had anything to do with my regular doctor...went directly to a surgeon, and they did all the paperwork. I finally saw the family doc yesterday for my physical, and I really didn't even ask for her opinion...although I think she was ok with it. As a nurse, I would recommend you keep her out of the entire process. I doubt her letter will help you out. You do NOT need a referral to a surgeon (unless, I guess, you have a strict HMO)... good luck to you!!!

How insensitive !!! Doctors are NOT taught weight control or nutrition. My PCP didnt know squat about the surgery, she asked me the most basic of questions, But at least she was supportive. Rhonda, this is the doctor who will be following you afterwards,, are you sure its someone you want to keep? Best of Luck, you sure have been going through the mill.JeanB

A referal is just a referal it just allows you to see a specialist. Many people, including doctors do not understand what it is like. I would suggest you change doctors. I see doctor Wilkins in Blair NE, he was very helpful and very supportive. I had worked with him on my wieght for a long time before taking this step. If you live to far away, call doctors offices in or near your area and ask if they have any doctors that work with patients for weight loss. many insurers, including mine require a 6 month doctor supervised diet attempt with monthly weigh ins. even if you dont have an appointment with a bariatric surgeon yet it wont hurt to start now. I had to pay a nominal fee out of my pocket but in the long run it was worth it. hang in there, only you know what will work for you.

I'd go straight to your physician instead. I never went to my regular GP. I went to one that I knew was supportive of the surgery here in Kearney. I haven't been back to him since.

I also made my own appointment with the surgens office. My drs. office was very supportive though. Chris in Beatrice 305/152

I am so sorry! Also being a nurse, I would find a doctor that would support you. I initially went to a surgeon for lap band approval and got denied. Partly from not enough documentation of medical problems. When I sought out a doc that was recommended that has worked with several WLS patients he used a medical approach. He told me he thought having the surgeon submit request for surgery looked like he was looking for business or something. He just did not think that was a smart move on my part. I reapplied just last month and got denied the second time, however I meet all criteria except for a new criteria just set by my insurance co. I have to do 6 months of supervised weight program with my doc, dietician, and documented exercise. If I lose 10% or more of my body weight ( 26 lbs or so) then I would not qualify for surgery. If I lose less than 10% say 15-20 lbs then I have demonstrated failure to lose wt and qualify for WLS. Once 6 mon up and weight program submitted by my doc, they say I will have met criteria and procede with the procedure. Is this crazy. What I thought would be an easy step( surgery ) has turned into an experience of patience, tolerance, and renewed faith! I hope that you won't give up, however you deserve a doc that you can trust and that will support you through this. Hang in there and don't give up. We have to advocate for ourselves, because we are worth better health!