Question:
I'm not sure but I think it is .. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

I have thought long and hard about WLS and decided it is right for me. My problem is I cannot find a dr who will agree and my therapist says it's tood rastic a step to consider. Little background on me, I'm 23, weigh 315# and can't seem to lose. I've done the diet thing. Slimfast, Lo fat, Low Cal, Tons of walking, etc, and while it's helped me to not gain as fast it has not helped me to lose. I'm convinced diets are the governments way of making me waste my husband's hard earned money :) I don't want to 'wait' till I'm 'older and out of options' b/c I have SERIOUS history of major medical probs in my family. My sister is extremely overweight, 35, and diabetic. Diabetes is my family's curse. Atm I've got pain in my knee and ankle, back pain, family history of severe medical conditions, major depressive disorder enhanced due to my weight, and the list goes on. I talked things over with my husband and he is very supportive of my desire to have this surgery and start a real life that I can enjoy my kids while they are still kids. I've read every piece of info I can find on this surgery. I know the benefits, and the risks, and in my eyes the benefits far outweigh the risks. I guess my question is how do I find a dr who will help me on this trip? Where do I find him/her at? I live in Austin, Texas. I've tried 2 diff gen practice doctors to talk about things with and they all cut me off once i mention the words diet, WLS, etc. If anyone in or around Austin/San Antonio area has had the WLS and can help me please let me know. I want to start my new life as soon as possible. - Renee    — Renee V. (posted on November 11, 2000)

November 11, 2000
Doris, I found all of the info i needed on Docs im my area on this site. I went to Find a Doc and looked up my state. You didnt mention if you had insurance and if so what kind, Some programs do not require you to go to a general practitioner. You can just make an appointment with a surgeon. Also take a look at other people in your area on this site. You can do this by looking up peers. Many people have their surgeon and doctor info listed and if not you can always email them to ask them for info on who they went to and such....Good luck.
   — Tracy L.

November 11, 2000
Hi Renee ... You're in a tough spot! I would suggest that you look up surgeons in Texas on this site, pick one out, call his or her office and tell them you are considering surgery. Tell them what kind of insurance you have and what kind the surgeon accepts. Then ask them for the name of a PCP who has referred patients to them before. You might have to hunt for one that accepts your type of insurance. Hope this helps you and good luck!!
   — Martha O.

November 12, 2000
Its time to search for a surgeon and sumbit for approval.
   — Courtrina Amur W.

November 12, 2000
My general doctor would not send me to the surgon either. I called my insurance and told them I wanted a second opion and went straight to the surgon. I was approved through his office. I have since changed general doctor. Hope this helps. Donna WV
   — Donna A.