Did you tell your dr before the banding?

aidamone · May 2, 2008

And did they try to talk you out of it?

My husband and I are both planning to be banded in Mexico- however he is doing it to help improve his health (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol). At this point I dont have any other health issues other than being fat, my BMI is 39/40. So I am doing it to loose weight to prevent future health issues (about 100 lbs) and to help support him.

My husband previous endocronologist suggested he should have WLS. His new and current doctor has not. My doctor has not mentioned it either (but like I said I have no other major health issues). We still think this is a good choice for us- but I have a drs. appointment next week and I need to tell her what I am planning to do and scared she will not approve of it (dont need it, too dangerous, that its in Mexico, etc).

Anybody do this without the total approval of their regular doctors?

Ang1982 · May 2, 2008

My doctor never suggested it and I didn't need his referral to get it... I did let him know that I was going to do it and he admitted to not knowing a whole lot about it but knowing a bit and that he supports me in my decision, wishes me the best and told me to keep him posted. His only concern was that he would prefer for me to go to someone "local" to ensure I am able to get the aftercare required (as opposed to going to Mexico - which is fine but where I live there are only 2 people who can do fills and neither take other peoples patients, so that was a huge consideration for me).

In my opinion - if you don't need your doctors referall then do what you need. My best girl friend had Gastric Bypass about 5 years ago and her doctor did not support it whatsoever however she had it done regardless (strong armed the doctor into the referral) and after seeing her progress and how things were for her after the surgery her doctor was eating crow for years and admitted to it too lol.

Good luck to the both of you!

aubrie · May 2, 2008

My doc recommended WLS, but he was referring to bypass. I have an ethics issue with that, so I wasn't interested in bypass. My doctor said that the lap band woulnd't be as successful. I didn't care. I did it anyway. He's been monitoring me and has been delighted with my success and said that I was his first actual lap band patient and that I basically proved him wrong. HA! He now regularly recommends lap band to his other patients based on my success!! That is very rewarding. I've run into two people now that he has referred to my surgeon as a result. So the proof was in the pudding..... LOL

Sarah8714 · May 2, 2008

I go next week to get my H&P filled out by my PCP before my surgery on the 15th. I need a med refill anyways. It was recommended by my cardiologist to have it done. He said that unless I drop some major weight I will never get off my BP meds. I have to be on birth control with my class "C" bp med so it is a catch 22. I have tried for over a year to loose with no success other than the same 10-15lbs yo-yo'ing.

babs0101 · May 2, 2008

My primary also suggested it to me. Even suggested my surgeon. I got a lot of support from him and his staff. I certainly can't complain there. Best of luck to you.

justpeachytexas · May 2, 2008

aidamone I am in the same situation you are. 100 lbs over weight with border line health issues. Normal BP but at the high end, getting high surgar etc... I did mention it to my PCP, he said if this what I want to do. With my insurance I do not have to have a referral.

Ariel · May 2, 2008

My PCP is sooo supportive. I love her. In the past during my physicals she never mentioned my weight. When I brought up WLS surgery to her she was like well you qualify and then went on to describe all the different types. When I told her that I had been reserching the band for a yr and already had a dr. app she was thrilled. Now when i see her she is always sooo supportive and keeps telling me how amazing i am to take control of my health. Did i mention that i lover her?