Has anyone else run into this problem?

I think she really wants to make doubly sure you are ready for this before signing the papers since you chickened out the first time around.  You can switch doctors if you want but they will likely have a similar program for you to go through.  Also, most insurances require monthly visits for an amount of time before doing surgery.  I had to do 6 months supervised diet/doctor visits before my lapband AND before my sleeve surgery.

It sucks but time moves quickly and I would suggest you start at it right now.  You have to check your insurance to see if you can get surgery without PCP approval.  I doubt it though...good luck.  

You really have to see what your insurance requires. Every insurance is different.  I did nNOT have to do a monitored program.  I just needed my pcp to clear me for surgery.  If that is the case with you, then find another doctor.  This one is just trying to make money by holding you hostage to her "wellness" center.  There was a doctor here that opened up a weight loss center.  Charged $1200 a month for a bunch of bull.  In the end she prescribed phentermine and made you buy a bunch of herbal meds that probably didn't work.  My pcp gave me a script for phentermine and all I paid was a $15 co pay.  Don't fall for the gimmicks.  Of course I lost weight and then gained it back.  Thank God for the wls.  The lose and gain cycle was killing me.