Tomorrow I have an appointment with my primary physician. I am so nervous he is going to fight with me about my decision of wanting to have the lap band surgery. I have read where people often get treated like they are crazy when they tell their doctors they want to have WLS. I keep going over and over in my mind why I want lap band verses another stupid diet. I have researched this procedure for one year now and I am positive this is what I want.

Does anyone have any advice on this sort of thing? Also, what can I do if he rejects my necessity letter??!!Or....can he reject it without medical reasons as to why I wouldn't be a candidate?

HELP!

Nichole

I prepared for my PCP to try to get me to diet some more, but he didn't resist it at all. Actually, at first he didn't even know what the lap-band was, or where to get it! Fortunately, I had done that research myself and filled him in. Once I explained the procedure, he was okay with it and had no probem with filling out the letter for the insurance.

I think in general docs (other than RNY surgeons!) will be more understanding of the choice to get a lap-band than the RNY, because it's much less radical and permanent. If you have the facts to support your reasons for wanting it, I bet everything will be fine. Good luck.

THanks for your advice! I think I'm just nervous he'll try to put me on another diet that will not work. I'm sure I will let everyone know what happens today! LOL

Nichole

Don't seem indecisive. Make sure you know all your facts. Tell him why you want it, and explain it with every detail. When he sees how passionate you are about having this done, there should be absolutely no reason why he would deny it.

I had a little trouble with my PCP. I didn't know him that well, nor he me. I went in with all kinds of info on the band. He'd never heard of it, and didn't seem interested in my material. By the next visit, though, I guess he'd looked into it himself, and he was better about the idea and gave me my referral.

You have to just be patient and persistent...or find another doc if you have to.

good luck!

Linda

255/255/145

pre band

Hey Nichole, you have to let us know what happened! My experience was pretty much the same as quakergirl's. The idea of surgery was not wholeheartedly embraced at first, but once I explained how much safer the band was over RNY my doctor was very impressed. She now is watching my progress carefully because she'd had two RNY patients who had lots of problems and would much rather be able to support something else.

So how did it go?!?

I did not even need anything from my PCP, my surgeon did all the work for the INS.