Help! PCP said no way!

I have just been told by my PCP he will not refer me for the surgery. He feels it is not helpful, and to much of a risk. I wanted this so badly, I went to the main message board and someone suggested I go to my State message board and ask for advice. I am so very big, and I really don't know which way to go. Linda Bell

Linda Does he say it's to much risk because of your health problems or because he doesn't support wls if this is the case check into getting another pcp for A second openion good luck Michael

He doesn't support the surgery at all, thinks it is a bad option for anyone. Ok thanks!

Linda, Sadly he is misinformed. There is no way you could be familiar with the body of literature out there on surgical weight loss and say it is too much of a risk. Not operating is too much of a risk, the data on that is clear. In fact, I got a referral letter from a PCP yesterday which said their patient needed surgical weight loss, and NOT to recommend it would be medical malpractice. Dr. C

Dr. C., Do I have to have a PCP referral? If I just get my records with all of the data, and that supports the surgery, does there have to be a referral at all. Linda Bell

No, a referral is not required, just the info. I don't know how he could say a lap band is high risk. C

Dr. C, Thank you, I don't think many Drs know how hopeless you feel when you are like this (FAT), and to be told that yesterday, was almost more than I could bear. I want this surgery, I want to be healthy and look better, What is my next step, I have the consultation with Marcia (?) psychologist tomorrow, then what do I do? Dr. C. Thank you, I really, really mean this, I honestly thought I was going to have to stay this way. Thank you!

Linda, I live up the road in Goshen, but am originally from Loveland...my PCP is there and she was and is very supportive of this surgery. I believe you should find a new doc who will be supportive for after..remember you are a consumer Linda...don't let this doc make you feel less about this surgery or yourself...I suppose he/she is one of those who also says "just push yourself away from the table???" grrrrrr Well darn doc, if it were that easy I would have never made it to 307 in the first place!! lol sorry Dr. Curry, this is your patient guess I shouldn't be PCP bashing..lol email me Linda, lets get together for a chat.. Brenda

Just get the psych eval and the records from your PCP (they can't not give them to you) and we'll do the rest! C

OH Dr. Curry you should let all of us know who this doc is...I think I wanna give him a hug....