Question:
How to get doctor approval for lap band surgery
My doctor is the type that doesn't believe in "quick" fixes, She says I can lose the weight with dedication. I don't feel it is at all possible anymore without having surgery. I am 5'7 285lbs. I feel surgery is my only option at this point and I am wondering if others have had this sort of problem convincing their doctor to allow them to have surgery, or if I may have better luck consulting a new doctor. — Emily51501 (posted on June 30, 2006)
June 30, 2006
I had the same problem so I found a doctor that was more sympathetic, and
believe there are more and more out here you just have to look. You'll have
better luck with a doctor who understands your situation.
— trutxn60
June 30, 2006
First off...your dr doesn't need to ALLOW you to do anything. This is your
decision, no one elses. If you want surgery then you better begin now
being your own advocate. You tell your dr what you're doing and if they
won't support it, you'll find one that will. Its that simple. Your dr
doesnt know everything. Don't let them intimidate you. You are the only
person that knows what you need to do in this situation. And make sure
you understand all the surgeries available and make sure you're chosen the
right one for you. Its not one size fits all. Depending on your eating
habits one may work better than another.
— amillman
June 30, 2006
this is a very simple situation, change doctors plain and simple
— Steve Cohen
June 30, 2006
Some insurances do not need referrals. Mine did not. I set up the visit to
the WLS Dr. myself. I am with Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM. Check with
your insurance to see if you need a referral.
— southernnmdreamer
June 30, 2006
I have just gone thru the same thing with my PCP. I explained to her that I
am not asking her to like the surgery, but I am asking her to be
professional and give me what I ask for and need. I asked her to come up
with 5 legitimate medical reasons why I shuld not have the surgery and I
would come up with 5 legitimate medical reasons why I should. I won. She
has been slow with submitting my paperwork, i guess to stall me out or see
if I am serious. At any rate I reminded her that I am paying her for a
service. If she could not do what I needed then someone else will. I think
that she had her personal reasons for not wanting to comply, but
professional, proven opinion belong in the workplace, not personal ones.
You have to take control over your health. You are your first line of
defense anyways. With all that said and done, I am tenatively scheduled to
have my open RNY July 12th.
— Tennille M.
June 30, 2006
I'd go with your last statement, start looking for a new doctor. You are
your own advocate for your health -- they don't live or walk in your shoes.
Go to your insurance company website and see what their take is on the
surgery. Our insurance companies websites hold a lot of information
regarding the surgery. Some insurance companies have started to certify
hospitals that have a bariatric clinic -- so check there. I'm an inch
shorter and we weight about the same. My PCP has had been on an appetite
suppressant since December and I beginning to think that I have become
immuned to the drug.
— the7thdean
June 30, 2006
Hello,
I just got approved from the surgeon on June 8th. My PCP was not involved
with the process at all. I'm not sure if you were talking about the PCP or
the surgeon. Of course, my insurance does not require referrals. It sounds
as if your does. Did you come out and tell your PCP thqt you would like
the referral to explore the option? If the PCP says no, tell them that you
will need to change to a PCP that not only uses his/her knowledge but who
also takes into account your wants and needs.
Good Luck!
Leigh M
— LeighMcCall
June 30, 2006
JUST CHANGE YOUR DOCTOR.THAT'S ALL BECAUSE IF YOU WENT THE SURGERY.THEN
TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOU ARE GOING TO LOOK FOR A NEW DOCTOR WHO DO YOUR SUGERY.
FROM AIMEE C.
— BABYPRINCESS
July 1, 2006
I thought the same thing, until i went to my priimary doctor for the
medical clearance. Come to find out, his sister in law had the procedure
done and she's doing great. SO, i was paranoid for nothing. I would
suggest going to him and see if he'll give you the clearance. HE MIGHT
SURPRISE YOU. If not my surgeons office said that a cardiologist
supersedes the primary physician, so if your primary says no, just go to a
cardiologist. Hope this helps.
— mel-in-NJ
July 1, 2006
My rhuemotologist was against the surgery as well. My WLS Dr. would not
do the surgery until the Rhuemotologist signed off saying that my FM &
Raynauds would cause not adverse reactions to the surgery. When I met with
my Rhuemotolgist, she would not sign off on it because she didnt beleive in
the surgery. I was straight forward with her and told her that she can not
hinder me from the suregery because she doesnt believe in it. SHe was
simply asked if there would be any problems with the FM & Raynauds and
if there isnt then she has no reason not to sign off on the WLS for me.
AND I falt out told her that if she didnt Iwould find a Rhuemotologist that
would. She then signed off. Good Luck! Just be stern with your Dr. or
change Dr.'s!
— AnneRie
July 1, 2006
I sort of agree with your doctor. If you CAN lose it through diet and
exercise, you should! It is not, however, a" quick fix" nor is
it easy. You have to exercise and watch what you eat to be successful!
IIf you can't do it without surgery, go to another doctor.
— Novashannon
Click Here to Return