I am 296 lbs, 5'3, my BMI is 52 and I just had an appointment with my primary physician to request Lap-Band. I chose this Dr. because she had good online reviews saying she was "pro" Lap-Band, several of my co-workers (also her patients) had the procedure done and several people on here recommended her. Lest to say it didn't go as I had hoped. Even with documented proof of 4 months of Weight Watchers, 5 months of Jenny Craig, 6 weeks of Slim Fast, 4 weeks of Herbalife, numerous weight loss perscriptions, Thermage, Hydrocolon Therapy, Hypnosis, fad diets, a sleep study that said I have positional sleep apnea with "weight loss recommended" as the treatment plan and faithful walking a mile 3-4 times a week to no avail (what I lost I gained back) my Dr. decided that wasn't enough and gave me a perscription for 3 months of Meridia. She also stated that if that doesn't work she wants me to try a supervised diet like Nutrisystem. I told her I couldn't afford Nutrisystem as I already checked it out and that it's the same as Jenny Craig. She then gave me a 1200 calorie menu that I must follow for 3 months. OMG! I am so frustrated. NO ONE I have talked to said that she required any of this for them. I have the same insurance as my co-workers so I just don't understand. Other than my severe morbid obesity I only have my Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Asthma. I dont have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol but with all I have already done to try and help myself I would think I should be a candidate. Doesn't this seem extreme? UUGGHH!!!

I went the diet pill route before, I took phen-phen back in the 90's and almost had a heart attack.

I would tell the doctor you don't believe in taking drugs, and the side affects are worrisome.

She asked why I don't take any medication for my Fibro and I told her I don't like taking pills and don't want to put my body through the side affects if it is just going to mask the problem instead of helping me heal. I told her I've tried alot of medications for both my Fibro and weight loss and gave her a copy of all the medicines I have tried over the past 6 years. I was very prepared with my entire medical record for the past 8 years and she sat there for almost 30 minutes reviewing it all and asking me questions so I know she saw the most important parts. It's not like I am trying to rush this either. I have been trying to lose weight for the past 6 years. I believe I even tried Meridia already through a "weight loss" clinic so we will see if it works this time. I don't have any other choice. I am so disappointed.:thumbdown:

I would try another dr. if for nothing else than a second opinion! this is your body and you have the right to choose who helps you take care of it!

Pull out your insurance policy and read their requirements for bariatric surgery. You may find that you do not need your PCP's participation at all.

Then, research surgeons who perform banding in your area. Attend one of their seminars. Find out how s/he can get the ball rolling for you.

If your insurance does require a referral from PCP, find another. Drugs aren't the answer---they never have been, and they never will be. I personally would not be comfortable with a physician who prescribed them when I had the documentation you describe. She is being paternalistic and making decisions for you when you have already demonstrated a strong commitment to losing weight and have made a personal decision for which you need her support.

Edited October 6, 201015 yr by BetsyB

Everything Betsy said. Don't give up the fight! :thumbdown:

daraerin

I just saw on the news today that Merida was pulled off the market by the FDA for causing heart problems.

This could be the golden ticket you were looking for.

People kept telling me I could get medication to lose weight, I told them to f*ck off, weight loss drugs are very high in incidences of health adverse side affects.

I already went down that route in the 90's, took phen-phen for six months when I was in my early twenties. When I complained to my PCP about chest and lung pain he laughed and said "You're too young to have problems like that" Then it was found that phen-phen was damaging hearts and lungs and many people died or had to have heart and/or lung transplants.

Time to find another Doctor (one that is informed on diet drugs).

Listen to these smart forum people. You will find your own path

If your BMI is 40 or higher it should not matter if you have other health conditions. If a PCP is required I would find a different one. Check out going straight to the surgeon. It is all worth checking.

Meridia just got pulled off the market by the FDA yesterday.

The stupid thing is, even if it didn't, Meridia has a 10 lb weight loss average. Big woop for a morbidly obese person.

I'd make sure your PCP even needs to be involved. Unless you need referrals to see specialists, you should be able to go straight to the surgeon.

I agree with everyone, attend seminar, and speak to one the surgeon following, my surgeon told me if my PCP wasn't willing to write my letter that they would assist with helping me change doctors. If you don't speak or ask you will never know. My insurance is requiring that I go on 3 month diet, but make the most of it. Just think of it has a jump start. We are here for you either way, stay strong!

I agree with everyone else. Check to see if your PCP even has to be involved. If he/she does, get another one. I started with my PCP because I didn't know where else to start. He thought I would be a great candidate so he did my referral and he has been so supportive. I did the phen-phen years ago and I thought I would jump out of my skin and my heart was constantly racing. If someone even mentions "diet pills or appetite suppressants", I freak! I wish you the best. Keep us posted.

Don't give up the fight!!!! Being persistant pays off! Push forward!

that is so crazy! I went to 3 different doctors to try to find one to help me do something other than surgery (I was 20 years old and the thought of surgery terrified me) and they all suggested surgery (the band). Find another dr. surely your insurance wont say "oh, you have to be with the referring dr x amount of months" so switching wont hurt a thing.

The FDA just pulled Meridia so I hope you're not taking it. Heart problems and stroke as side effects and they finally admitted it

I also tryed the redux aka phen-phen in the 90s for 3 months after 2 lost 20lbs and then lost nothing the 3rd month so went off it. Thank God no heart problems for me from it. I decided I wanted this surgery sceduled a seminar went to then went to a pcp since I just got insurance in july and I'm 5'7" and 270lbs. With type 2 diabities and my BMI is 42. I wish you luck and hope you get your surgery soon hugs.