How to talk to your doctor?

[colleenfrances 0]

Hello. I'll start off by saying I deal with social anxiety and have made an appointment to see my doctor on the 25th. I want to finally bring up weight loss surgery but am worried he will feel I have not tried hard enough to lose weight on my own.

Last doctor I went to see (was living in another town) and she flat out said no because I had never been on a medicinally supervised diet. And then proceeded to try to sign me up for her clinics program which I couldn't join since I was moving.

I'm only 21 (BMI currently 48.9) and haven't been on any heavy strict diets, but I have lost weight in the past from changes to my diet and exercise, but it usually cuts off at about 10-20lbs and then I gain it back.

I've done research on WLS for a few years now and know it would be best for me, but what could I say to get my doctor to see that? Seeing him could go completely fine but I just get really bad anxiety when it comes to talking to people. Thanks for any advice.

[Redmaxx 740]

Your insurance may require a 6 moth medically supervised diet before approval. I know mine did, but thankfully I was in the VA MOVE program which is essentially a medically supervised weight loss program. I just had to have my PCP fill out the paperwork and submit it to the surgeons office.

So, unfortunately you may have to play the game with the insurance company before you can have the surgery. I will be 13 weeks post op on Thursday and I must say that it is worth the hoops you have to jump through. Just think of it this way, this short term inconvenience will result in long term relief.

Good luck and I hope to see you on the loser's bench.

[jaynamy3 122]

Some bariatric places also do the medically supervised part of it as well. Check all the different places near you and call to see if they can do the PCP part of it all . Good luck keep us all posted.

Amy☆☆☆

Edited January 18, 2017 by jaynamy3

[catwoman7 10,890]

my former PCP - and now my new one - were thrilled. I think a lot of doctors have come around to the fact that this is a safe, effective surgery - and often the only treatment that "works". You may end up being pleasantly surprised by your doctor's response!

Edited January 18, 2017 by catwoman7

[BigDog Bryan 262]

Remember the following phrase when you speak to your PCP - "You work for me.... I don't work for you". With all of their knowledge and education, they are in fact vendors providing a service. If their rejection of your plans is based on nothing based in science AND common sense then get another vendor. It is not always easy to do, but that is no reason to tolerate care that is less than you deserve.

Your BMI alone makes this a viable option for you, and your PCP should be happy that you are NOT putting your head in the sand on this issue. Your previous doctor clearly had another motive to refuse to help (surely there is a substantial cost to their own diet program that they wanted you to sign up for). DO THIS FOR YOU!!! Feel GREAT about your courage and don't let ANYONE turn you around

[trula borieo 16]

I to had to talk to my doctor frist and I had to try and lose weight before I had surgery I had to see my doctor for a year to try and lose weight my doctor seen I cant not lose weight so he let them do it . I had the surgery in August 24th2016 iam glade I did it my healty my energy and my hole life changed for the better good luck on your jounary

Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App

[colleenfrances 0]

Little update. He said yes! I got my referral form heading to the Weight Wise clinic in Alberta! My doctor mentioned he really dislikes surgery, so he emphasized I try to exhaust all my other options with the clinic before surgery. Which I will see about when I get an appointment. I feel like I've taken a big step forward!