I have an appointment with my pcp tomorrow so that I can get my letter of medical necessity. I'm nervous because I don't know what her views are on the lap band. If she's not on board with the idea then I'll be scrambling to find a new doctor who IS on board.

She can be a little intimidating at times. I used to see just her PA but the PA got married and moved away.

She has advertisements for a new type of liposuction in her office so you would think that she wouldn't be opposed to the lap band. Or at least I hope that's how it is.

I was nervous, too. I searched on the American Medical Association's website, and found some articles about success rates of gastric banding. Then I made a chart of weight histories for the past 5 years (with photos). It turns out, my doctor was aware of the data, and agreed that banding is a good option for permanent weight loss. I hope you have a positive experience with your doctor tomorrow.

I know how you feel. My PCP refused to refer me as he said the band was too dangerous and there were too many complications. I think he probably also told me that I just needed to diet and exercise more!

elcee, so after he told you that, did you go find another doctor on your own or did your surgeon's team help you find another one?

I live in Australia so our health system works differently to the US one.I knew which surgeon I wanted so I phoned and made an appointment directly. I was terrified that as I didn't have a referral it would be a problem but it wasn't. I must have checked at least 3 times that it wouldn't affect whether or not my insurance would pay. It only became a problem when I needed a fill and needed to claim the rebate from medicare.I couldn't get the rebate without a referral so I went back to the Dr's. The original Dr had left and the new one had a totally different aatitude and was happy to give me the referral. Plus they couldn't refuse as I was already banded!

Went and saw my primary doctor today. All that worry was for nothing. She said I was an excellent candidate for the surgery and she would have her portion of the papers ready for me by Friday. I feel sooo relieved. My nutrition consult is tomorrow and my psych eval is next week.

I'm on my way!:scared2:

Excellent news.

Today is my nutrition consult. I'll be starting my 3 month supervised diet after today.

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ok, how come my ticker counter won't show up after I copy and paste?

Glad you've got your PCP's support! I too was a ball of nerves going into that appointment. She can be intimidating as well and is also a skinny little thing! I was afraid she'd be anti-WLS. And all for nothing! Her only concern was that I was a little young to be considering such a drastic change. I flat out told her, "Do you want me to wait until I am diabetic and have high blood pressure?" She laughed, said I was right, and told me I was an ideal candidate as well! :smile2:

Looks like you got your ticker figured out, it looks nice! That's one heck of a weight loss! :smile: