New to this forum. Don't know where to turn.

[SalsNoninna 2]

Hi! I am new to this forum. I got my lapband in 2013. My starting weight was 280lbs and I am about 5'3". In the first year I lost 95 pounds and was down to 185lbs. I never had a fill as my doctor never recommended one. In the last 4 years I have shot back up to 225lb as menopause had set in and I started to lag going to the doctor which was no help. I am now 56 years old and can't seem to budge even a couple of pounds off. I have moved out of the state where I had the procedure years ago and had a consult with the local general/bariatric surgeon about 10 months ago. He agreed to remove the lapband and do a revision to bypass. I met remotely with the bariatric nurse and participated in the orientation zoom meeting. I went for my first weigh in as I was told I would have to start from scratch and in the program and work with a doctor or dietitian for 6 months before they would get approval for the surgery which Iwas more than willing to do. I was turned off by the nurses attitude as she never answered my calls to guide me in the right direction to get started so I gave up on the idea. I feel stuck, depressed and frustrated and I don't know where to turn. My insurance has changed and I can't seem to find a doctor to help me. Thanks for listening.

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[OAGBPal 225]

I'm sure someone much more knowledgable about the US system will answer this thread. I just wanted to say you should give yourself credit for taking care of the situation, and for actively seeking out treatment before you go back to your old weight.

Keep pushing! If a nurse has a bad attitude, see if there's another program. You can do it

[SalsNoninna 2]

Thanks for your response! I am actively searching for another program. Change in my insurance has added to the frustration.

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[JRT Mom 912]

If you can find another surgeon, RUN, don't walk away from the first practice. There are a lot of competent bariatric surgeons out there, but the office staff is what truly makes a good practice! You won't often see the surgeon but you have to deal with the staff every visit and the failure of nurses to return your phone calls is a major red flag. Even if you have to travel a bit to find a practice you like it'll be worth it. My doctor is 5 hours away and I'm so glad I "fired" the one that was only three hours away.

The best of luck to you!

[LoveSimcha 46]

On 2/6/2021 at 8:22 AM, JRT Mom said:

If you can find another surgeon, RUN, don't walk away from the first practice. There are a lot of competent bariatric surgeons out there, but the office staff is what truly makes a good practice! You won't often see the surgeon but you have to deal with the staff every visit and the failure of nurses to return your phone calls is a major red flag. Even if you have to travel a bit to find a practice you like it'll be worth it. My doctor is 5 hours away and I'm so glad I "fired" the one that was only three hours away.

The best of luck to you!

This - I had my and removed (I was pregnant with quadruplets so it was removal and get me out of the OR). I went back to the same dr that took it out for me to start the journey for bypass or sleeve and the practice changed. I never felt comfortable there and delayed and delayed. We have since moved to another state and I found a practice that I feel comfortable with and am finally moving forward. The 6 month wait thing is very common from the insurances by the way. Good luck