Ok, so I started researcing WLS a few months back and had originally decided the lap band was the way to go, then I found this website and did some more research on VSG and that is the way I'm going now. I have BCBS IL PPO insurance and they require a 6 mo diet and exercise blah blah blah program. I made an appt to see my dr today for my first weigh in and to talk to her about WLS etc. I have only seen this lady a few times, but liked her so I thought she would be perfect to do this for me for 6 mo. So I went in today and had my height and weight done. I am JUST on the border of the 40 BMI my insurance requires so I knew exactly what my ht and wt had to come in at. At home I measured, more than once, at 5'4" and my weight at the drs ofc came in right for that height to put me at the 40 BMI, well I didn't know this til almost the end of the visit but, the nurse measured me at 5'4.5" so it made my BMI 39.7!!!!!!!! I was so upset and tried to explain to the dr it HAD to be at 40 BMI or the ins wouldn't accept it. I came armed to that appt with paperwork from the surgeon, my own printouts of what the VSG was, advantages and disadvantages etc and what she needed to document as far as a low calorie diet and exercise counseling. She was VERY unwilling to help me. She said she knew a little about the surgery but just gave me back what I had printed for her without even reading it! She said they don't have time to do nutrition counseling there and then she told me I should see a psych to find out why I have this issue with food! I'm not at all opposed to that idea, actually think its good but just they way she said it to me. Then she told me after 5 years my stomach would just stretch back out and I would gain the weight back anyways. She told me to go to Weight Watchers and see a psych. I just don't know what to do now. I'm sorry, this is long and I'm rambling. I had already psyched my self for the 6 LONG months of weigh ins and now this just throws a wrench in my plans. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, FB

I agree - find another pcp.

I think I would have to ask for the studies that doctor was basing her opinion on.

Love it!

Sam...this reminds me of an old joke that nurses tell each other. Know what they call the doc who finished dead last in every class in medical school? Doctor.

Enough said. I am married to a physician and work with them so I know they can be brilliant and compassionate but every profession has it's duds and medicine is no exception. (or nursing!! )

FatBetty.... I have BCBS-Fed and I'm in California. Where exactly do you live? I am going to a WLS center in Northridge who are a Center of Excellence and ONLY work with weight loss surgery patients! They are super friendly, very professional, and do all the work for you! I will be completing my 3 month supervised diet program next Monday and then they will submit paperwork to my insurance THAT day!!! This place is a one stop shop!! Nutritionist is there on site too!!

I originally went to another doctor in Burbank who was very awful (his staff) and they never returned phone calls or anything! They never even called me to tell me I needed a 3 month diet!! That's when I got so fed up and called my insurance company and they actually recommended the doctor I'm seeing now.

Please dont give up!! Make sure you switch doctors and get that 3 month process started immediately!!

what an idiot, some doctors can be arrogant and stupid, so chAnge change change, SHOP AROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!