Kind of feel like a guinea pig. My doctor wants me to try the pre-op diet first before referring me to a specialist, "try this for a while and then come back and we will discuss this." Asked how long a while was. "check back with me in a couple months".

Feeling frusterated, scared, and confused, to say the least. I'm 5'2" and 252.8 lbs! Thanks for the support and motivation doc (sarcasm).

Determined to do this, I stopped and purchased the whey Protein and some vitamens.

Has anyone else ran into the lets wait and see or try the pre-op diet first to see if you can do it?

no and if I did I would find a new doctor that understands obesity more than yours seems too this isnt your first time you have been on a diet Right?

No, I am 40 years old have been on and off diets since I was 12 years old.

Interesting. I just had my first appointment today and my doctor gave me above and beyond the information I needed. At the weight of 260 and 5'4", my ideal weight is 120 but he stated he wanted me at 180. My suggestion would be to please look for a doctor who truly understands your situation and will support you. This is a life changing decision and you need a physician who will be supportive.

Some insurances require a 6 month pre op. You have to be seen every month for six months. Make sure you are checking in with him each month and he is documenting what you are doing. I didn't have to go to my dr first. I just went to a seminar and they got me started.

go to a new doc...some are very biased about WLS! I think a good doc would refer you and let YOU have the consult and decide what is best between you and the bariatric doc!

_{I agree with what everyone has said. Is this your regular doctor? What about using your OB/GYN? That is who did most of the paperwork, letter writing for me to help me get approved since a lot of my medical issues realated to women things--fertitlity, cycling, etc. Just a thought. Maybe he/she would advocate better for you. This is YOUR decision, not your doctors. Your weight problem just didn't start a month ago. As you said you have been battling this for years!!!}

_{Good luck. How deflated you must feel to have made a good decision for yourself and have yoru doctor poo poo it!! Hugs to you!}

Get another opinion, why wait? If your like most of us you've been overweight for a good chunk of time. If your insurance requires 6months of documented weight loss you can work on that but you need a doctor who can document this on a regular basis, not in a couple months. Good Luck!

Totally agree. My Dr gave me the referral and encouraging me to see surgeon. I was actually shocked at his attitude. A good shock! I didnt think he would consider me. Everyone is right, it's your decision and you are entitled to discuss your situation with a surgeon. New doctor required.

I'm assuming this news came from your primary care doctor?... I personally would find a bariatric center with a reputable lap band surgeon, go to a seminar, talk with the staff at the seminar to find out if you have to have a referral from your regular doctor. If you haven't been a patient of this doctor and there aren't any documented records of weight issues, diets, health problems, it's their duty to tell you to try it on your own with diet and exercise. Many people jump to WLS as a quick fix when it may not be the best choice at that moment. Now, if you've been with this doc a while and your diet history is well documented or if you have any health issues like blood pressure, pre-diabetes, I'd go right to the bariatric team and look at all your options. Your health ins co may require a pre-op diet before approving surgery so the quicker you act, the quicker you'll be on your way. WLS isn't for everyone, it's not a quick fix, it's still hard work to wrap your head around your relationship with food and how you're going to live long term with the band. Everyone refers to this process as a journey and once you're on the path, you'll understand why. It IS a journey. You learn more about yourself, both good and bad, than you've ever known. I was amazed on just how little food I actually need to lose weight, have energy and be happy. In 13 months, I've developed a completely different relationship with food but I still struggle, just not as much. At the beginning of this process, it's 24/7 focus on getting surgery, what to eat, what not to eat, liquid diet, mushies, exercise, food journals. It's all consuming. AFter you get into the process and your body and mind start to catch up with each other and you get into the swing of living with the band, the rest of your life starts to take focus again. It's a great journey and totally worth it!

I had to have a letter form my primary doc for insurance. she did not want me to do the surgery because she had seen so many failures. she knows how hard another failure is on us. when I explained how I viewed this procedure she reluctantly sent a letter. I love my primary and completely understand where she is coming from. I think I did my homework, I understand to pros and cons, what my responsibility is and is not. this isn't a miracle and you need to know that from the beginning.

we all work hard to achieve our loses. this has worked for me and I am very grateful for my primary doctor and the honesty she showed me.I have not been into her office to see her since my surgery, I plan to go soon. I am not expecting a big deal, I just want to share "the change". A change I have not seen in close to 35 years!!! I know, so sad.

You mentioned buying protein powder. What kind of diet has he put you on? How many times a day are you to have protein shakes and for how long? If you can't do this diet for the rest of your life don't start. People are'nt meant to live long term on a liquid only diet. That's why slim fast does'nt work. You WON'T live on liquids for the rest of your life.

Yes you will need to develop a new relationship with food. The lap band is not magic. The key here is that new relationship. I had 8 months from time of consult to surgery and that time was really important to my learning new eating habits.

I'd like to mention that if the Dr. puts you on a liquid diet and you follow it/lose weight, the weight you were previous will not count as starting BMI for insurance.

I don't know if you are self-pay or not, but I would be worried that I may lose weight in an unsustainable way and then end up gaining it all back again. I would find out the absolute specifics on your insurance policy and then call around to center of excellence bariatric practices and get scheduled.

Also, I did decide to switch my primary care Dr when I decided on WLS because the one I had been seeing had always seemed so unsupportive and BORED when I talked to her about my weight problems. If you feel you need to switch Dr's, do it! I actually found my new Dr by asking the receptionist at the weight loss practice if there was someone she could recommend.

Thank you all for the input and insight. I am looking for another doctor. Now, getting my husband and sister to be supportive, as they are worried that something will go wrong.

As for the protein shakes, it is whey protein, on the third day I stopped as I had the worst headache I'd ever experienced!

I am in the same situation as some others. I have had to change primary care MD's. This one doesn't know me (I've seen her 2x) and therefore is not willing to give me a referral. I have also , as many of you, been on a diet since I was 10 years old. I am finally ready to do this surgery. I have done a ton of reasearch and am prepared to go forward. Do any of you have any ideas? I have already been to the information meetings and am just stuck waiting on the MD. Please help.