So the bariatric center called me today and told me the only thing they are waiting on is my doctor's release/approval. I've got an appt with him tomorrow. I'm kinda nervous about it. He and I talked about it last spring and then I ended up pregnant. I can tell he's not all about wls. Did any of you have a doctor who was against the surgery? Will they do my surgery if he doesn't approve?

I did not have this issue, but if my primary care doctor did not support me and delayed my ability to have the surgery, I would have found a new PC doctor who would support me.

I am just afraid that he is going to say I need to document weight loss with him for at least 6 months. We haven't really tried anything together. This is going to be a really good time for me to do the wls because I have the summers off from teaching.

My PC doctor wanted me to get the GB sugery instead of Lapband. So we kind of argued? He just felt it was more successful and easier for most people. Well, he agreed with me on the reasons for my choice and recommended me. He seems very relieved and happy with my progress since the surgery.

My GP was completely against me getting banded, and would not accept the fact that I had done my research and knew what I was getting into. She argued with me, told me horror stories and then gave me a photocopied 1-page diet that looked like it was from the 1950s, telling me to eat a diet of oatmeal and salad if I wanted to lose weight. Needless to say, that was my last appt with that doctor.

Not saying that every doctor who expresses doubt or hesitation about the surgery should be dropped, but if you feel like your doctor isn't able to see and respect your side of the issue, I'd recommend finding someone who can.

Best of luck!

My understanding is the doctors role is to confirm you are healthy enough to have it done. At least in my case that what I was told. I got my cert letter from my doc on Tuesday and it was very short and basically confirmed I am healthy. this was for the insurance company. Maybe yours is needed for a different reason?

So the bariatric center called me today and told me the only thing they are waiting on is my doctor's release/approval. I've got an appt with him tomorrow. I'm kinda nervous about it. He and I talked about it last spring and then I ended up pregnant. I can tell he's not all about wls. Did any of you have a doctor who was against the surgery? Will they do my surgery if he doesn't approve?

I am just afraid that he is going to say I need to document weight loss with him for at least 6 months. We haven't really tried anything together. This is going to be a really good time for me to do the wls because I have the summers off from teaching.

I wouldn't worry that your doctor will require it, this is more an insurance thing. Either your insurance requires it or it doesnt, a simple phone call will give you the answer.

My doctor was against it. He felt that diet and exercise were an appropriate means to lose weight given a BMI of 40 and that wls was too drastic. I did not need his acceptance to move forward. However, I know that he would have given it to me in the end it was just not his first choice on how to handle the problem.

You can always seek a different doctor if that happens, but your doctor may end up being OK with it.

I changed doctors....I wanted a GP that was supportive and understanding of the lap band. My original doc was a jackass about it.....so he is no longer my doc.

I have a GREAT GP now who is 100% supportive and is knowledgeable enough about the band to provide care for me with it in mine.....

Of course, I'm a self-pay, so didn't have the insurance hurdle to deal with...but I certainly wouldn't stay with a doc that's not band friendly....we're in it for the long haul and need good care.

When I asked my primary about having the lap band she was against it...she has heard stories about people not doing well. I have to go to her for medical clearance, which are blood test and such. I don't think it is a matter of her approval, it is a medical thing. Don't project...I think it will all work out. Good luck

Yep, he wanted to run a cholestrol check/bloodwork. Then he's going to send it in. The only thing I have right now is hypertension, but he's never run any bloodwork on me before. I'll be curious to see what happens with it. Thanks for all of your support.