Doctor refused to refer me

Hey! I went to my doctor a few weeks ago to ask for a referral for surgery. I am 28 years old, 5"3 and 210 lbs. (BMI of 37)

ive tried many ways to lose weight and my doctor has been my doctor since I was born. He's aware I've been trying to lose weight since I was 12. I am now at the highest weight I've ever been.

He said he wanted to do a full physical before referring me to the Network, and he did and fortunately there was nothing wrong with my blood work or anything and today he gave me the options of going to a weight loss specialist to go on some metabolic Diet or to be put on Prozac which he says will keep my motivation high and suppress my appetite. 

I know I need a comorbidity to be covered for surgery but I have sleep issues and even symptoms of GERD.

Is there a way around this or is that it? I took the medication route (because I am way too far from this 'specialist' which probably costs a fortune). I hate medications and I REALLY don't want to take it but I figure it might be a documented method of trying to lose weight that he would see. 

anyone can refer you go to a walk in clinic and ask the doctor to refer you. 

you need two medical issues if your bmi isn't 40. 

The criteria for referral is a BMI of 40, or a BMI of 35 with comorbidities. There's no way that I'm aware of around this requirement. It sounds like you are not feeling your best, but it doesn't sound like you have a diagnosis that meets the comorbidity requirement.

I'm sorry you didn't get the referral you were hoping for, but it doesn't sound like your doctor is refusing to give you a referral on any kind of principal. Rather, it sounds like he's not able to since you don't qualify.

Your doctor gave you some valid options. You can also go back with your other symptoms to see about getting a diagnosis. For example, a sleep test could turn your "sleep issues" into a diagnosis on paper that counts as a comorbidity.

Sorry your disappointed in not getting the referal.  But without the co-morb you'd have a tough time being approved.   You also have to show that you have tried several means of dieting.  Do sending you to a weight loss specialist would actually help with the approval process overall.   I had actually done several before getting refered to the clinci.  Richard Simmons Diet (from way back when), Weigh****chers, Curves Complete,  Family Health Team Diet Program.    I wish you luck.  But don't give up keep trying.

Prozac to keep your motivation high....really???? If only it were that simple.  I might be looking for a new doc!

hi Maisie, don't be discouraged about not being approved. I was 311 pounds and had to loose enough weight to even qualify for surgery (privately paying in the US, but there was still a lot of criteria to even be considered). I doubt any Ontario based family physician would refer you because based upon what you have said you would not qualify for surgery. Even in the US (at least with my surgeon) a BMI of 37 would not qualify as a candidate for weight loss surgery. 

If you hate medications, this may be an issue, you realize you have to take supplements everyday for the rest of you're life if you were to have surgery? 

You can start you're journey on you're own. I buckled down, tracked all my food (livestrong) exercised 30 mins a day and in less than 3 months I lost over 35 pounds all on my own... The surgery is not a magic pill as one may think - there is a lot to consider and it was designed for patients who are morbidly obese. 

I'm not sure if you're aware of this website, but please find below; 

http://www.obesitynetwork.ca/

Good luck on you're journey 

hi I had the same story,,but from 37 bmi to 40 bmi it just few kilo,,,,

I gained and my bmi was 40,,he cannot refuse,,

but I was waithing for one year and I gained 15 pounds more during my waiting..

if you really want all in your hand