daraerin

I am 296 lbs, 5'3, my BMI is 52 and I just had an appointment with my primary physician to request Lap-Band. I chose this Dr. because she had good online reviews saying she was "pro" Lap-Band, several of my co-workers (also her patients) had the procedure done and several people on here recommended her. Lest to say it didn't go as I had hoped. Even with documented proof of 4 months of Weight Watchers, 5 months of Jenny Craig, 6 weeks of Slim Fast, 4 weeks of Herbalife, numerous weight loss perscriptions, Thermage, Hydrocolon Therapy, Hypnosis, fad diets, a sleep study that said I have positional sleep apnea with "weight loss recommended" as the treatment plan and faithful walking a mile 3-4 times a week to no avail (what I lost I gained back) my Dr. decided that wasn't enough and gave me a perscription for 3 months of Meridia. She also stated that if that doesn't work she wants me to try a supervised diet like Nutrisystem. I told her I couldn't afford Nutrisystem as I already checked it out and that it's the same as Jenny Craig. She then gave me a 1200 calorie menu that I must follow for 3 months. OMG! I am so frustrated. NO ONE I have talked to said that she required any of this for them. I have the same insurance as my co-workers so I just don't understand. Other than my severe morbid obesity I only have my Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Asthma. I dont have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol but with all I have already done to try and help myself I would think I should be a candidate. Doesn't this seem extreme? UUGGHH!!!

Yup...I was going to say "guess you're going to have to change your name". Congrats. Gives me hope.

She asked why I don't take any medication for my Fibro and I told her I don't like taking pills and don't want to put my body through the side affects if it is just going to mask the problem instead of helping me heal. I told her I've tried alot of medications for both my Fibro and weight loss and gave her a copy of all the medicines I have tried over the past 6 years. I was very prepared with my entire medical record for the past 8 years and she sat there for almost 30 minutes reviewing it all and asking me questions so I know she saw the most important parts. It's not like I am trying to rush this either. I have been trying to lose weight for the past 6 years. I believe I even tried Meridia already through a "weight loss" clinic so we will see if it works this time. I don't have any other choice. I am so disappointed.:thumbdown:

I am 31 and have a BMI of 52. My BMI has been over 45 since I was 23 and I have a couple minor health conditions - fibromyalgia and allergies/asthma. I used to go to the Dr. often for my fibro and migraines. I have copies of all of my bloodwork, MRIs and xrays for the last 8 years showing that I have no other conditions (no hbp, diabetes, etc). I did a sleep study last year and the result was "mild positional sleep apnea" when I sleep on my back only. My previous Dr, when I asked about the surgery said "I'll think about it but lets try some other options" and gave me meds that had a side effect of weight loss (metformin even though blood sugar was fine and then phentermin) which I took for 5 months total to no avail. Actually my weight continued to increase. All my cholesterol panels are within the normals. Yet after all that the Dr said he saw no reason for me to have the surgery. I have good insurance - Blue Cross - and know they would approve it with a Dr recommendation so I decided to change Medical Groups. My very first appointment with my new Dr at the new medical group is next week. I will take every document I have but I don't know how to approach her about it. The new Dr. has a reputation of approving the surgery easy with her "longtime" patients but I don't know about new 1st time patients. What should I say? P.S. Since 24 years old I have tried Weight Watchers for 5 months and again here and there, Jenny Craig for 8 months, a weight loss clinic for 3 months, herbalife, slim fast and various fad diets yet no significant weight loss. UGGGH

Stateofzen - Thank you. I figured that was the way to go but wasn't sure how Drs respond to requests like that. I don't want to burn my bridges with the insurance company so I was worried if I went to too many Dr. they would automatically reject me. Malinda1229 - I think I need a referral...actually I assumed I needed a referral since I have an HMO so I never even checked it out. I know they cover the procedure though. I will have to check on that. Thanks!