My primary won't give me referral

[ladytru84 23]

So my primary care doctor had me do and upper gi barium swallow before referring me to a bariatric doctor.. my results came back perfect he said everything's fine.. n I'm telling him everything isn't .. I throw up alot and I'm not losing weight I'm hungry all the time things always get stuck n im tired of the battle. He said well the band is functioning perfect . He said he's just me n I have to eat slower.. I do sometimes it takes me 1.5 hours to eat a small meal cause I get stuck ..so he said again its all me n that he will proscribe me medication to CURVE MY APPITITE. Now doesn't thay defeat the purpose of weight loss surgery.. I'm really annoyed with my regular doctor

[gowalking 10,790]

Make an appointment with your bariatric surgeon and have him assess your issues.

[2muchfun 8,928]

If you're telling your PCP that you want a referral to a bariatric surgeon to remove the band, I can see why he's hesitant? If you would have worded it like you want a consult with the bariatric doc to find a way to make the band work he probably would have given you the referral?

Many doctors are part of this ACO(accountable care org) that guides physician groups, hospitals and clinics to drive the cost of healthcare down.

[SashaWLS 412]

Go to NYU Langone WLS... They're FANTASTIC!

[2muchfun 8,928]

I think what she's saying is that she must have a referral to go to a specialist if she wants it paid for by insurance?

[ladytru84 23]

I told him I think I need an adjustment n he said no ur results say everything is going down fine.. I didn't tell him I wanted it removed I said I wonna see someone who specializes in it can adjust it or do more testing

[ladytru84 23]

Even when I was swallowing the barium it was backing up I had to go super slow I told the tech but they didn't care ..

[SashaWLS 412]

Time for another opinion. I don't think PCP's are the best qualified to give advice on the specifics of Lap Band after care...

[ladytru84 23]

Unfortunately he's the only one around who takes my insurance I have state insurance

[SashaWLS 412]

Maybe you can scrape up $200 to meet with someone else out of pocket?

[2muchfun 8,928]

Well, crap! Hmmm? Must be someone above him in NJ Government that you can go to? He can't be the Knight guarding the bridge saying "None shall Pass"? Sorry, had to throw in a Monty Python quote in there?

Like someone else said, PCP's know squat about the band and you need a specialist?

[Sharpie 3,306]

sounds like you are too tight.. when was your last adjustment and who did that? I am confused why you are not able to go to your bariatric surgeon for a follow up problem..

[ladytru84 23]

No money tight . Plus if he wants to do an adjustment that like 600 out of pocket

[ladytru84 23]

My doctor who did my surgery was almost 5 years ago and they aren't taking me back due to nonpayment .. I couldn't afford this crazy bill they gave me n I wanted to do payment but they wouldn't agree on the amount that I could afford per month so they dropped me as a patient but I still paid them off.. went to a diffrent doctor and got an adjustment like 2.5 years ago and was ok for awhile N this past year has been a food battle .. I havnt had insurance for a year due to switching jobs but now I have state insurance because Obama requires it.. When I got pregnant in 2010 my doctor emptied my band and I gain 50lb got it tightened again when my son was 6 months n make like 5 lbs here gained 5 lbs there .. its a battle

Edited October 16, 2014 by ladytru84

[Sharpie 3,306]

I am so sorry . You might contact a bariatric center and ask them to contact your primary. I am not sure how govt. insurance works but surely you can get help. I know you are frustrated but don't give up, sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil. keep bugging your Dr. too.