Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Went to my doc today to get my letter of medical necessity. She told me that she didn't support me getting the lapband and that I needed gastric since I need to lose 100 pounds. She said that all of her patients who have had lapband lose 30-50 pounds max and that's not enough for me.

I told her that my surgeon supported me getting the sleeve, bypass or the band and he felt I could be successful at each. She then went on to say that she didn't think my ins would cover it because I don't have any comorbidities.

I am feeling so discouraged!

I've had my mind made up that the band is right for me and now she's made me doubt my ability to be successful.

I know the weight would come off faster in the beginning if I had the band, but I'm ok with slow and steady. I also think that the ongoing maintenance is key to success. You need to have fills to get and stay at the green zone and I get that.

Any words of advice?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I feel the band is a healthier choice as if need ur Fluid can b taken out for certain situation! Both my mother and aunt have lost over 100 lbs with the band! Its all willpower! Im personaly against the bypass for iv seen first hand the out come of it both good and bad! I hope this helps any! The band is great if you learn to use it properly and keep ip with it lol!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know a gal at my job who had the bypass about 5 years ago and now she's WAY underweight and can't gain any back. She's a sweetheart but she looks like a skeleton with skin stretched over it. And she said she lost all her excess weight in 6 months.... that scares me because I don't want the excess skin hanging everywhere (I don't think she has that trouble, but who knows? I certainly didn't ask her....)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it's time to find a new PCP, one that will let you make your own choice which WLS is best for you.

For the record, I had over 200 pounds to lose when I had surgery almost 5 months ago. I've now lost 92 pounds so far. Obviously, your PCP doesn't know the facts because you CAN be successful with the band, even if you have lots to lose, as long as you're committed to working for it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You need a new PCP that will support you!! Even if you did only lose 50 pounds, you would still be healthier! I think gastric bypass is downright SCARY!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What is your BMI? Most insurance companies require a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with comorbidities. If you haven't done so yet, I suggest having a sleep study done to test for sleep apnea. Most of us that are overweight also have sleep apnea and insurance companies consider it a comorbidity.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My PCP handed me the surgeons card and said you should check this out.

At first I didn't but I saved the card, it was about a year before I went to a seminar.

I now have the band thanks to my PCP.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My PCP suggested lap band over bypass because I have no gallbladder and my intestines and colon are frequently unhappy with me over the whole situation. I would suggest a call to your insurance company to ask what they cover. See if your PCP can order a sleep study and do some labs to check for anything else I. e. high glucose, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, thyroid issues. And then proceed from there.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My ins will cover me without any comorbidities. That is not an issue, she just said it as another reason to not support me. That's why I'm frustrated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Get a new PCP. I knew when I started my journey that the person I had been seeing infrequently would not be supportive based on past interactions. I found someone else who supported my weight loss 100%. he also wanted to run blood tests to make sure I didn't have anything inhibiting my ability to lose weight and found out I had hypothyroidism. My other Dr knew that the thyroid was a problem in my family but never bothered to order a test for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×