Lap Band Journey Came to Screeching Halt Today!

[Skinny_Jill 36]

I would definitely find a new doc that will be willing to work with you on your band journey. I would call your current doc and let him know you will changing docs as you have given this a lot of thought and feel that it is best for you. That is just crazy.

Let us know what happens.

[luluc 6]

I think no matter what happens, I'm going to find a new PCP, it's just hard when you've been with one for a long time, but it's my health. This is just something we don't see eye to eye on.

i think that's the best bet. why would you want a Dr to deny your request to improve your health with getting the lapband, yet in the same breath offer you an anti depressant?

my OBGYN suggested i try wellbutrin to try to loose some weight, and it was the worst decision ever. even the smallest of doses put me in such a funk, i only took it for a month & i did not loose a lb.

fingers crossed for you!!!!!

[plain 12]

Hang in there, dood!

[Mom2_4 0]

I would find a new PCP. I went to one who told me she didn't believe in weight loss surgery and didn't believe in weight loss meds. She was totally clueless so I moved on.

[vanilla_bubble4 0]

my advice?

get a new GP!

[pearlygirl 1]

Good Lord! Don't these docs understand they work for you?? Of course their number one concern should be your physical/mental health and well being however, it is not the 1960's. We have been empowered and do have control(within reason of course) when it comes to our medical needs. I don't think there is anything more disturbing than some pompous, self righteous physician who thinks that their degree entitles them to have complete control over people's lives. Time to move on to a new doc for sure!! Good luck with getting approved without him/her and good luck on your journey.

[azchick 0]

PB,

Find a new doc!!! This dr sounds like he wants to string you along for more $$$. Afterall, when you lose your weight and don't have any bad health issues, you won't need him much will you?? I have even heard of dr's putting their patients on phentermine instead of referring for wls, which I think is outrageous! That's a heart attack waiting to happen! Best of luck to you! Keep us posted!

[Marimaru 7]

It's irritating to me that doctors are prescribing Wellbutrin AS a weightloss drug. My doctor prescribed it to me when I asked for an anti-depressant, because it CAN have an appetite suppressant effect, but that only lasted like 2 weeks. My mom was also prescribed it to help her quit smoking (which didn't work)... it's just weird to me.

I would definitely find a new PCP. Doctors like to hold crap over our heads, and we need to not put up with it.

[singledad167 0]

Finally, after two days of waiting and no call back, I decided to call the lap bad doc back, and was told that he would not do the surgery with out my GP being on board. Now I have to find another GP that will give the ok. Just another hurdle to over come. Not the end of the world but what a pain.

[bigunc 0]

I had a similar experience 3 yrs ago. I asked my PCP about having a gastric bypass done. She was adamant in her response saying she was dead set against it. Of course someone 5 ft tall and 100 lbs doesn't see someone like me as having an issue losing weight. I guess she thought I just hadn't put enough effort into losing. At that time I had never even heard of a Lap Band.

Fast forward to a year ago. I wound up in the hospital with congestive heart failure and Afibb. I was out of work a total of 5 months. My Cardiac Specialist told me I had to drastically loose weight or I wouldn't be around much longer. He recommended the LBS and wrote a letter to the PCP stating the same. After telling me she would reluctantly give me the required referals I am 3 months post op, 106 lbs lighter (68 lbs since 1st consult). No one has been more suprised than my PCP.

Moral of my sermon is do what is best for you. Find another GP or try to convince the one you have to approve. Just don't give up trying to get the Lap Band. It is a life changing event.

[singledad167 0]

I had a similar experience 3 yrs ago. I asked my PCP about having a gastric bypass done. She was adamant in her response saying she was dead set against it. Of course someone 5 ft tall and 100 lbs doesn't see someone like me as having an issue losing weight. I guess she thought I just hadn't put enough effort into losing. At that time I had never even heard of a Lap Band.

Fast forward to a year ago. I wound up in the hospital with congestive heart failure and Afibb. I was out of work a total of 5 months. My Cardiac Specialist told me I had to drastically loose weight or I wouldn't be around much longer. He recommended the LBS and wrote a letter to the PCP stating the same. After telling me she would reluctantly give me the required referals I am 3 months post op, 106 lbs lighter (68 lbs since 1st consult). No one has been more suprised than my PCP.

Moral of my sermon is do what is best for you. Find another GP or try to convince the one you have to approve. Just don't give up trying to get the Lap Band. It is a life changing event.

Congrats BigU, you've done great, and I know it's been alot of work. I'm down, but not out. I'm pretty persistant when it's something I really want. I'm realizing there is an emotional side to my eating too. When I thought I was on the road to being banded, I started to get excited, and began to eat better, started going to the gym, and once I hit got shot down I kinda gave up and have been horrible the last couple days. Thanks for the support, and keep up the great work.

[Moe128 0]

I think no matter what happens, I'm going to find a new PCP, it's just hard when you've been with one for a long time, but it's my health. This is just something we don't see eye to eye on.

I feel your pain PB. I have been with the same PCP for about 15 years and I will probably have to find another one because of this same issue. She is about 5' and has lost a lot of weight. When I called she gave me the local surgeons name and number, but then started telling me that all of the people she sees that have been banded have gained their weight back. I was very surprised by her reaction. I really have come to know her and I love the fact that she is honest, but she seems to be really against this. I think it goes back to so many people thinking this is the easy way out...they have no idea...

Anyway, keep the faith and if it means getting a new doc so be it. We are trying to make life long changes to improve our health and if the doc gets in the way of that it's a shame. It only gives us more reason to succeed. Prove to them that it does work and that we are serious about changing our lives.

[Chris61 0]

Why not go to your other doctors you see like your OBGYN and have them do a letter to the band doctor.

My wife had the same problem with here doctor he did a letter but would not put all the information that was needed said that we had to go back to the doctors and get approval. His reason was due to HIPPA even though he was in charge of the medical file that had the information. So we just went to her OBGYN and had him do the same letter with all the stuff ans faxed it to the band doctor and he sent it to the insurance company and was approved within 15 minutes. The rest is history. We both have been banded for almost 9 months and doing well. We go in a couple of weeks and I will get another fill for sure. Have not had a fill since January.

[Tovah1970 0]

Your PC works for you , you or your insurance pays the paycheck. I would be out of that office so fast they would not know what hit them. I have had that problem before myself. My philosophy is that a doctorate does not = a "GOD". Ask around at your support groups someone should be able to give you a name of a doctor that will help you.

[plain 12]

Congrats BigU, you've done great, and I know it's been alot of work. I'm down, but not out. I'm pretty persistant when it's something I really want. I'm realizing there is an emotional side to my eating too. When I thought I was on the road to being banded, I started to get excited, and began to eat better, started going to the gym, and once I hit got shot down I kinda gave up and have been horrible the last couple days. Thanks for the support, and keep up the great work.

Don't give up, PB.....there are a lot of PCP's that will write that letter for you. I'm still pretty steamed for you that your original doc won't do it (but he will use an anti-depressant off label....sure, that'll take off 100 lbs or so, right?)