So... I had an appointment with my primary care physician to get clearance for surgery. I was hoping to have sleeve surgery in November. He was very reluctant to give me clearance and said that he does not agree with the surgery. Instead he put me on an injectable medication - Victoza.

I love my doctor and I generally trust him and I was very surprised because he knows how hard I've tried over the years to lose weight. I've tried virtually everything although I have not tried medication to lose weight. He talked about how many patients he has that have had complications from weight loss surgery. And those who have gained the weight. Anyway, now I am conflicted and just wanted to get some opinions from all of you. Did any of you try weight loss medications or try the one that I mentioned? When I look online, it seems that people only lose about 5 to 10% of their excess body weight with the medication I have been put on.

Just wanting your thoughts, opinions, comments. I am so, so sick, tired and despondent with being overweight my whole life and I am now 50 years old. I need to lose 100 pounds. I really don't know if medication will do it. I had my heart set on having the surgery in November after spending a long time thinking about it and trying to make the decision and now that I have finally made the decision my doctor says it's not a good idea. Aaarrrggghhh....

Edited September 11, 201510 yr by BHopeful

It sounds like your PCP has a personal bias against WLS. It may be time to reevaluate your PCP choice. Having WLS is a personal decision. If you want to have it, and your body is healthy enough, do it! You have to do what's best for you, not your doctor! I didn't have to get approval from my PCP, so have no idea how to get around that issue. However, I'd suggest asking your bariactric center for guidance. Good luck on your journey!

If WLS is something you REALLY feel you need to take control of your life, then don't let anyone stand in your way.

When I made up my mind to go for it, no one was going to talk me out of it.

I knew from 47 years of experience that I needed the extra help WLS offered.

I had been overweight since childhood and could never control my weight gain.

If my primary physician had discouraged me from WLS, I would have found another.

My first call was to my insurance company to get a list of approved WLS doctors.

I never went to a general practitioner, went straight to the WLS doctor and started the process.

Get my free eBook - The Top 10 WLS Fears and How to Kick Their Butt!

Victoza has been prescribed for diabetes for some time. Some people found it reduced their appetite and they lost weight. Thus you now have doctors prescribing it as an appetite suppressant.

I took Victoza for my type 2 diabetes for a couple years. Weight loss? Meh... the only loss of appetite was from the nausea it gives some people. The couple pounds I lost didn't make a dent in my obesity.

I had sleeve surgery last December and am down 85 lbs and off ALL diabetes meds. BEST thing I ever did!!! My PCP, an athlete herself, was not a fan of WLS. She was an excellent doctor and I had enormous respect for her. She gave me clearance for the surgery but also said "I don't know why anyone would remove 85% of their stomach to lose weight when all you really need to do is eat better." I knew this was something she could never really understand.

I now have a different PCP who has actually had the sleeve surgery himself and HE understands. ????

Try the Victoza if you want. But I would have a Plan B and if that includes changing PCP, I would consider it.

Find a different doctor. I have lost 50 pounds since June 3rd and I only needed to lose 100 as well. I had gastric bypass and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. My only regret is not doing it sooner!

Guys ive creatrdvs facrbook group where i will be video journaling my upcoming sleeve procedure on 10/08. Feel free to join and share your whatever you like. Picts, recipes, progess updates etc. https://www.facebook.com/groups/404032579798702/

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

I just added you ruby woo

Thank you!????

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk