Referal to the Bariatric Registrary

Hi Friends, I have a Family Doctor who will not refer patients to the Bariatric Registary. I am wondering what my options are. I have heard that Nurse practitioners are able to make a Referal. I'm not sure and would really appreciate advice. Thanks!

I was referred by a Nurse Practitioner. You could try a clinic or something too maybe.

Hijack: Seyenna, great to "see" you!

/blush, thank you

Did your family doctor tell you he/she will not refer people? I never understand why doctors think they have the right to decide whether or not you will have weight loss surgery - because they CAN'T. You are not asking your family doctor for an opinion or even to support your decision, simply for a referral to the professionals who make that decision. If you meet the criteria (BMI, comorbidities) there is no reason not to get the referral.

Anyway, yes a nurse practitioner can refer you as can any other doctor (specialist, even a walk-in doc).  You are also in the position of needing your band removed (if I remember correctly). I would start by making (another?) an appointment with said family doc and simply state that you require a referral to the Bariatric Registry to be evaluated by the bariatric professionals.

Good luck.

  Thanks so much for your reply. Yes I do have a Lap band...good memory!  My Doctor has his own rucrative weight loss business. I believe this is why he will not refer patients. He does not agree or believe in weight loss surgery of any kind. Ontario is no longer accepting Walk In doctor referals I was told. I can get a Referal to the clinic in Toronto who did my Lap Band surgery. I know that it has stretched but not slipped. I went to a sleep clinic about 4 years ago and wondered if he could refer? I didn't qualify for the RNY back in 2007 but I'm sure I do now. Thanks, Karen

I guess my point is that it doesn't matter if he agrees or believes in WLS, you have the right to a referral. And it does sound like a conflict of interest with his "lucrative weight loss business" - but obviously it doesn't work for everyone despite all the cash he's made on it. I would start with an appointment to the family doctor. Tell him you require a referral to the registry so that the bariatric professionals can evaluate you and determine the best course of action which would include removing your non-functional lap band.

He sounds like a real idiot. Sorry.

If you can Karen K., try finding a new doctor.  There is a good website that can help guide you to professionals in your area who may be accepting new patients.  http://www.ontario.ca/locations/health/

You can also make a complaint against your family doctor through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.  It is terrible that this doctor just "decides" not to refer people because of his lucrative weight loss practice - sounds like a huge conflict of interest to me!

My family doctor did not want to refer me either, so I went to a walk in clinic but they said I had to de-list myself from my doctors service before they would/could? refer me.  Such bull****  Anyhow I was very angry and also frustrated.  I actually spoke to my doctors receptionist about my frustrations and lo and behold the next doctors appointment I had (and I have MANY) my family doctor had a change of heart and sent in the referral.  I know from talking to her since that she feels I could have lost the weight in other ways, but she told me she will support me and work with me so that I am successful and her words are "I am not judge nor jury, it is your decision and your life and I will support you"  It just took about 1 1/2 years to get her to say that LOL