I currently go to college and my nurse wants to send me to a MD to get my medical approval for the surgery. I'm really nervous about going to see some doctor for the first time and asking for surgery that a lot of people think is unnecessary. My nurse knows me and knows what I have been going though, but who knows with this new doc. I'm just so nervous he or she will turn me down with the prescription of diet and exercise. Anyone have experience with this?

I didn't actually have to get approval from my doctor but my surgeon suggested that I see him to have him order the labs and they did want a statement regarding my physical condition. I wasn't sure what my doctor would think so I was quite pleased when he was very supportive and told me that he has about half a dozen patients who have had the surgery, all of whom are doing great. Then his nurse also told me about a friend of hers who had it done who has lost more than 100 pounds. It was actually very uplifting and I felt even better about my decision.

My doctor had all of my tests done in his office, which saved me a lot of money, too, compared to going to a hospital.

Doctors are learning more about this surgery all the time and seeing the benefits. Good luck!

My nurse practitioner actually wrote my letter but had the doctor that works in the office with her sign it also. I am sure your nurse is just trying to make sure you get the best care available. Insurance companies will probably pay more attention to MD after the signature. Hang in there. It will all work out.

My Dr actually is the one who brought up Lap Band to me in an office visit when we were discussing my weight and how I no longer could deal with the increasing scale.There are many DR's out there that are realizing that this surgery is the answer for many people who have tried everything under the sun to lose and always ended up back in the plus category and then some on the scale.

There is a whole different attitude in the medical community regarding WLS today than there was even 2 years ago.

My job is billing medical insurances for a very large medical group in 2 states, and I know from this experience that more and more physicians and insurance companies are getting on board. They sometimes might require a strict bariatric program be completed at a Center for Excellence before agreeing to pay for it, but they are coming around.

Thanks for all the tips and stories. Glad to know docs are often better about it than your own family even!! Or mine at least. Very gudgemental my family; though they are all big too and maybe the idea of me actually doing something about it threatens them. Thanks again!