I am just starting my lap band journey. I had my consult this past monday, waiting for my insurance approval, and have my psych eval and all that good stuff March 17th. The only thing I'm having a problem with is how to go about my doctor monitored diet. I would have thought that would be the easiest part! My family doctor won't document it due to the fact that he doesn't believe I should have it. I have been on Jenny Craig for 5 months and Weight Watchers the past 2 months. I guess I just call up another doctor in my area and see him for it? I am kinda confused. Sorry I know this probably seems like a dumb question/issue I'm having...anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks! :eek:

I'm not sure how it would work for others. My doctor's office has a nutritionist on site who is monitoring my 6 month time frame I need per my insurance carrier. After the 6 month time frame, my surgery can be scheduled.

Without knowing your weight/height and weight history it is hard to say whether your doctor is justified in saying they don't support the surgery. Did the doctor say why they aren't in favor? Have you checked the requirements for your insurance? A lower BMI can be an issue for some people getting approved.

Please don't take this the wrong way but it will be hard for people to advise you without more information. Depending on your situation it may just mean you need to go to a new doctor.

I am considering changing my doctor because in the last 2 years I have never actually met the doctor. I have always been seen by Nurse Practioners Or Nurses. Keep in mind I had a blood clot in the brain (mini stroke) at 39. You'd have thought that would have warrented a meeting with the doctor.

I'm not sure how it would work for others. My doctor's office has a nutritionist on site who is monitoring my 6 month time frame I need per my insurance carrier. After the 6 month time frame, my surgery can be scheduled.

My surgeon is setting me up with a diatician/nutritionist at his office as well on the 17th. I didn't think about if that would count.. . I'll have to check into that. I need 3 months...

Without knowing your weight/height and weight history it is hard to say whether your doctor is justified in saying they don't support the surgery. Did the doctor say why they aren't in favor? Have you checked the requirements for your insurance? A lower BMI can be an issue for some people getting approved.

Please don't take this the wrong way but it will be hard for people to advise you without more information. Depending on your situation it may just mean you need to go to a new doctor.

I am considering changing my doctor because in the last 2 years I have never actually met the doctor. I have always been seen by Nurse Practioners Or Nurses. Keep in mind I had a blood clot in the brain (mini stroke) at 39. You'd have thought that would have warrented a meeting with the doctor.

Sorry! I'm new to all this. I'm 28, 5'4" and 271 my BMI is 45. I have had weight struggles since a child. I have checked with my insurance company and meet all of the requirements. (Blue Cross Blue Shield requires BMI > 40 and over 18, doctor diet for 3 months) My doctor is against it because he doesn't know much about it and said he's only had patients who did gastric bypass and have had lots of complications. He only wants me to continue to work out.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I would have surely thought you would have seen your doctor with an issue like that. Sometimes I don't understand doctors.

Amber, I am also with BCBS and while each individual plan is different, my 3 month supervised diet is "rolled into" the nutrition classes (have to do 3 of those) and one on one meeting(s) with the nutritionist. Perhaps your Dr. does something similar?

Hope this helps-

kagead