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 would go back to the doctor and ask her why she will not recommend you for surgery when you know she has for others. I would also ask her what the point is of going on a 3 month 1200 calorie diet when your current weight is proof that this has never worked in the past.

If you need prior approval from a regular physician before you can see a specialist in your plan, I'd call the specialist and ask if they can give you the name of one of the doctors who is most likely to cooperate with you for the approval. If you don't need prior approval, go straight to the surgeon.

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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 just saw something on the news yesterday that Meridia was being pulled from the shelves here and Canada.. This maybe lucky for you?? (I hope) Keep your head up!

I have to say I actually had trouble with my PCP also in the beginning within the first 2 years of research. I even switched PCPs thinking that was the problem until I left the new doctor's office crying because he shot me down. (Coming home upset also got my fiance on borad with me after lack of support; saw how upset I was) He said I was "obsessed" and my anxiety was getting the best of me. I was frustrated and this was before my wonderful endocrinologists diagnosed me with Hashmoto's! Later on, come to find out my Gynocologists backed me up and said they would if a needed a referral. It turns out I didn't need one from a doctor althoug he ended up approving it to me with no argument. Just call to find the starting procedures and deal with the PCP when needed. By then they won't have a choice and it's your choice in the long run, not theirs!! Good luck!!

Have you called the customer support service on your insurance to obtain the required criteria needed for approval of the lapband?

It can't hurt and the more knowledge you have the more powerful you are when it comes to this journey.

I wish you luck.