How do I talk to my doctor?

[nikkibug 0]

Sorry in advance if this has already been asked but i couldn't find it.

So Tomorrow is my 18th birthday. I weigh 220lbs and I'm 5'1 I've been wanting this since I was 16!

I have no clue really where to start, I've already talked to my nutritionist and she thinks it would be a good idea but said I have to get an referral from my primary doctor. My prime doctor is a asian male.

I'm not sure how to talk to him or bring it up really in order to get an referral. I've talked to him about my weight man times but never about getting surgery!

Please help!!

Thanks!

[thinoneday 445]

Just tell him that you are interested in WLS and need a referral from him. Don't him and haw around a physician. . don't be passive or submissive. . . he is there for you and you should not have to be afraid to ask. . . so like nikki says "JUST DO IT". . . good luck!

[longer-life 139]

I totally agree with Thinoneday. Keep researching the surgery so you become & sound informed.

I would say something like " Not sure if you remember but we have discussed my weight many times. I have done such and such to lose it but it keeps coming back and I am worried. I have researched blah blah surgery and I know it will help me be healthier and live longer. I would like a referral from you to such and such surgeon."

Be prepared to answer questions such as why did you pick Sleeve Gastrectomy or comments such as "I think you just need to eat less and exercise". Change primary doctor if you have to. Good luck. Keep us updated! Don't give up, but research , research, research. This is permanent and you are very young! Consider going to a therapist that specializes in bariatric surgery to help you through this. Big hug.

[kellyw74 258]

With Kaiser, you can email your dr. That is what I did when I wanted to have it done. I just explained that I was overweight, what my BMI was and how I have failed and failed and failed again at weight loss attempts. Gained and lost and gained some more. I had diabetes and hbp, all of this he knew, but i put it out there for him to read and he agreed that wls was a good option for me and that i met the guidelines.

Try putting your problems out there and saying that you meet the requirements and see how that goes.

Good luck!!

kelly

[Rootman 1,101]

Id advise just coming out with ' I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY" and be prepared before hand. Study up on all the pros and cons of the three main procedures, the sleeve (what we have had here), the band and bypass.

If he balks or refuses then be prepared to get another doctor. If your insurance requires a reason for the switch then tell them that he was NOT attending to your needs and you felt that they were not taking your needs seriously.

Good luck to you!

It really works, see my ticker below.

[nikkibug 0]

Thanks everyone so much fro you're kind advice!

I'm still a little nervous, but read now!

I have done a lot of research and have followed a lot of

sleeve blogs to give me an idea. Thanks again!

[courtines 6]

Don't be afraid! I had never mentioned it to my primary care doctor until I showed up and asked for her to fill out the approval papers. She hasn't ever given me any grief about my weight, but was supportive in me making a move that would positively impact my health. I wouldn't recommend that, but my doctor was extremely supportive and actually asked me for some information about VSG, because most people in my area are still getting Lap Bands. She told me that she thought I would be really happy with my decision. If you have had the same doctor for a long while, he is going to know that you have struggled for a while. If he isn't supportive, you are fully within your right to find a new physician who will help you get approved.