Dr. requires a letter...

Just curious if anyone has had their surgen requires a letter???   My dr. requires one from each patient, there is a long list of things he wants to see that you have an understanding of.    In the directions for the letter it actually says…  “Patients who are not able to understand enough to write a letter detailing the benefits and risks of the operation will be poor candidates for surgery”  

 The letter must contain understand of: Clinically severe obesity Risks of obesity Expected benefits of Surgery Possible risks of surgery How the operation is performed Why the operation is performed Alternative to surgery Postoperative diet changes Possible depression after surgery Need for long-term follow-up Need for lifelong nutritional supplements  

That really is quite a long list that I have to write about.  Hehe :) it will probably take me longer to get the letter done than to get all the pre-op stuff done.

My dr required a letter of medical necessity from my PCP.. but not from me.. Good luck, write from your heart

If your looking for a quick fix this is what he is trying to uncover in your letter. There is no sense is doing the surgery if you arent committed to the whole process. Take your time and read up on everything and write a thourough letter and you'll be fine.....good luck

hello all ,  All surgeons are different  . Dr. Davis of Valley Hospital did not request anything like this but did have to go through psychological and nutritional classes for the insurance company. Good luck  Benzee

My doctor required one for medical necessity, it was for insurance purposes. I have Aetna and it was part of their many requirements.  Donna  Open rny mar 18 2003 282/145/140

No, but what a FANTASTIC idea, you are so fortunate to have such a progressive thinking surgeon and this is a great opportunity to embrace. Sit, think, research slow it down this is the intent... to help you realize, and appreciate as fully as possible the magnitude of the decision. I agree 110% those who can not fully understand and write this are not ready, end of story, those not willing to aren't serious enough and it isn't there time.
Embrace the concenpt and run with it and you will thank your surgeon for years to come that you did! Thanks for sharing!
www.asbs.org is a great resouce to use as well for many of these answers.. as is:
Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/101/106101.htm?printing=true

Reading about it and signing a form is one thing, actually doing the work is another.. hooray!