My pcp doesn't want to give me a referral to my bariatric surgeon because, she doesn't like the WLS !!, she told me isn't a good idea because she see a lot of people with complications , problems more with lap bands.... I was speechless, I took my decision after reading, research, and with the help of this forum, and I choose the lap band surgery, I know I'm a good candidate and now what??? She just referred me to a Weight Loss Program in her hospital.... , I can attend my first visit with my surgeon this week because I dont need a referral, but I think I need later my pcp help right? Any experience or help is appreciate... Thanks

Go to a new doctor

Yea, I was thinking in that...its no easy with my medical conditions, but I have to do it!

You pcp has to write a letter of medical necessity if they dont then the surgeon can not do anything about it unless you are self pay then you dont need all those hoops.

It depends on your insurance as to whether or not you need a referral. My pcp didnt want me to do it either. As far as needing pcp help i didnt. I seen the wls every month so i didnt need to see my pcp. Goodluck !

My insurance required a letter of necessity from my pcp prior to approval. I had many hoops to jump through for my insurance. Wish you the best.

I never went to my pcp. I went straight to the surgeon i wanted. I didnt have any medical conditions but my bmi was 41. The only thing they got from my pcp was a 5yr wt. history..I had bcbs at the time and surgery got approved based on bmi.

My insurance didn't require PCP referral but my surgeon required that my PCP would sign off (of course i didn't learn this until 6 months had passed and I was 3 weeks before surgery. My PCP made me do a couple of more tests than my surgeon, they were relevant and showed me again that my PCP had my best interests at heart and I passed without any issues.

Your pcp will still have to clear you for surgery though

My insurance dont required a pcp for the surgeon appointment, but I think I will be need a letter of necessity or medical necessity of my pcp....

My insurance dont required a pcp for the surgeon appointment' date=' but I think I will be need a letter of necessity or medical necessity of my pcp....[/quote']

Yes....I change my pcp dr, I hope the new one help me and be better...

My pcp doesn't want to give me a referral to my bariatric surgeon because' date=' she doesn't like the WLS !!, she told me isn't a good idea because she see a lot of people with complications , problems more with lap bands.... I was speechless, I took my decision after reading, research, and with the help of this forum, and I choose the lap band surgery, I know I'm a good candidate and now what??? She just referred me to a Weight Loss Program in her hospital.... , I can attend my first visit with my surgeon this week because I dont need a referral, but I think I need later my pcp help right? Any experience or help is appreciate... Thanks [/quote']

I was in the same boat. My Pcp wanted me to go to a local pharmacy and pay$400 a month for some Protein diet the pharmacist came up with. I called my wls office and they put me in touch with several docs who were willing to write one. I really like the one I have been seeing over the past 6 months!

I was in the same boat. My Pcp wanted me to go to a local pharmacy and pay400 a month for some Protein diet the pharmacist came up with. I called my wls office and they put me in touch with several docs who were willing to write one. I really like the one I have been seeing over the past 6 months!

Good luck@ keep in touch!