Hoping to get WLS in Ontario

I've been trying to get my doctor on board with me getting WLS for a few months now, so far no luck. I'm 29 and almost 300lbs and have struggled with my weight since I was very young. Having tried various diets I feel like this is my last choice. Both my mom (10 years ago) and uncle (last December!) have had RNY so I know for the most part the ins and outs, but I don't know how to get my dr on board.

If anyone has any suggestions on how they convinced their doctor would be super helpful. I can't really afford to ... get a new doctor unfortunately le-sigh.

Regardless finally taking the big leap to at least talk about the option as an actual option and not a pipe dream

Cheers!!

Chibi

Hey Chibi!

I'm just a touch older than you and just had my surgery (VSG) on Tuesday the 6th. I also had to do a bit of convincing to get my doctor to refer, and in the end she actually didn't - because of my Crohn's history, she insisted that my gastroenterologist specialist make the referral, which he did. I still had to come in with solid reasoning.

My advice? Print off your research, with highlighted important bits. Make pros and cons lists. Get your mother and uncle to write a letter about how this changed your life and how they will support you. And if you still can' convince him/her? You can actually get any MD to do this for you, so you could go to a walk-in and try your luck there.

I wish you all the best! We're here if you need more advice or support.

You may have to get assertive with your doctor.

The Ontario government pays for this surgery and therefore deems it to be a valid medical option. The same government pays his/her salary.

I had zero issues with my doctor, but I will say that when I requested the referral, I did make the case that it is a very long process, with a lot of valuable information. I wasn't committed to the surgery until I had all the info.

If he/she still won't refer you, I would go to your family member's doctor and ask them for help.

If you have any weight related health issues that require you seeing a specialist then you may be able to get a referral through the specialist.  In my case I was referred by the bariatric doctor at a weight management clinic, but my endocrinologist also offered to refer me.  Just an idea.  Have heard to several people on here who went to walk-in clinics and were referred by a doctor there after explaining the situation.  good luck to you

I would discuss the surgery with your doctor and provide your doctor with information about the surgery tell the doctor that it is a decision you have not taken lightly but are prepared to go through the process. Some doctor do not know anything about the surgery and it is up to us to educate them I had to do it with my doctor but she was supportive and didn't have a clue about the surgery.

Make sure you tell the doctor even if they continue to not want to refer that you want them to make the referral and you will speak to the health professionals that do the surgery to make sure this is a right choice for you as they are the WLS professional. Make sure you tell the your doctor they make you see dieticians, social work/psychologists, do medical tests, nurse practioner etc. before you even get to see a surgeon to make sure this is right for you.

Stay strong and be assertive in what you want and I bet your doctor will refer you. Sometime we have to education the doctors. 

I didn't have a family doctor when I got referred.  My endocrinologist ( I had diabetes and thyroid issues) did the referral and was happy to do so.

If you don't have a specialist, book a talking appointment with your doctor and bring info along with you to support your need and desire. Be firm and sure of yourself and you should be ok,  If not, you may have to visit a walk - in a few times to get to know a doctor who will refer you.

Actually I think your doctor is an ass. he/she has NO CHOICE, it is your body and your decision. Through the process after referral is when the decision is made based on risk factors ect whether you are a good candidate for WLS.

Tell your GP to get off his/ her high horse and send the referral as per your request ( and right ) 

I find it so frustrating to hear these stories, it happens far too often. You should do the research for yourself, not to have to present aninformation package to a GP.

OK, I've said my bit.

Best of luck in your assertive approach!

Cheers

Terri

Terri, the doctor actually does have a choice, he or she makes their decision based on what they believe are the best options (in their opinion) for their patient...mine used to say....eat one pork chop instead of two (I never ate two pork chops) even at my highest weight.

What the poster needs is a new doctor if at all possible or to get referred to a bariatric clinic.

About 4 years ago in Thunder Bay shortly after I had my surgery the Duluth Clinic (Duluth, MN) held an information session here and invited local physicians to attend, the attendance was DISMAL...most in attendance were bariatric patients who either had their surgery in the USA or wanted more information.

so it could plainly be the doctor you are asking for help...is either unknowledgeable....or...doesn't support the surgery..either way it is your right as a humjan being to be an advocate on your behalf..so try other avenues.

Doctors are legally bound to refer a patient to any specialty that they do not practice. My Dr. started with the OH I dont know It is so drastic, ... I said to him, I just want to talk to a bariactric specialist, and YOU DONT HAVE TO AGREE WITH ME , just give me a referral. He shut up and did so.

wonderfully said~!!