Question:
My family doctor does not beleive in any weight loss procedures except eating right

What do I do    — joseybird (posted on June 10, 2006)


June 10, 2006
I say get another Dr. Thats what I did. As you said it has alot to do with genetics and family. At least for myself, I believed after diet, losing wiehgt and always gaining it back. My medical problem needed a medical answer "WLS" No one can diet forever, it is not natural. Remember not every Dr, will say thumbs up to this operation, but it may also be that they do not know much about it. Good Luck, whatever you decide. I had complications the first month, but would still do it over and over again.
   — MikeL

June 10, 2006
I like a doctor who thinks aboubt things, then checks them out then he refers me to a speaclist in that field.He wants whats best for me. Does your doctor do that foe you? If not maybe you need to look around to one that will. Take care of you!
   — Thelma S.

June 10, 2006
The real question is: do YOU believe in wls? You must, a little, or you wouldn't be here. =o) Medicine can be a crapshoot. Not all doctors are versed in everything medicinal. Could be that he doesn't know a thing about wls and therefore doesn't recommend it. But that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea! And, as you've probably heard, just b/c you get the surgery, it isn't like you get to pig out the rest of your life. It's only a tool - you'll still be eating healthy (as your doc wants) and exercising. But with people like us, we NEED this tool. I yo-yo dieted for years. I gained. I lost. My self-esteem flew out the window years ago. But now I have this tool - and this new life! I'm only 9 wks post op so it's still a little rough sometimes but it only gets better from here. We're here for all the support and answers you need. Good luck with any decision you make!
   — platypus

June 10, 2006
Find a local support group, talk to post ops out a 100 pounds and ask for a WLS friendly PCP. I ran into a pulmonary doc who woulkdnt approve me for WLS, found another doc! He obviously didnt know what he was doing! That was about 5 years ago... Really glad that jerk didnt cost me my life!!
   — bob-haller

June 10, 2006
Get a new doctor.
   — danals24

June 11, 2006
If you believe in WLS and really want to go through with it then I suggest find another doctor who will help you on your journey. Having WLS is a major decision with a lot of struggles along the way, the one thing that you don't need is to be fighting you PCP about it the whole way. I got lucky with a PCP that was super supportive through the whole thing. I am only a week post op and am so glad that I did not let anyone including a doctor talk me out of it. Good luck and God Bless Tonia
   — turtlewex

June 11, 2006
I'd say get another physician that has researched the information and knows that it works. I can eat what they call "right" for a month and not drop a pound. Diet and exercise doesn't work for everyone, if it did, none of us would have had or would be contemplating having WLS.
   — the7thdean

June 11, 2006
Shop for a new doctor. When I say shop I really mean it. Make an appointment for a consult to meet the prospective doc. You may have to pay a small ammount but it is SOOOO worth it. If you go with them often the fee is waived or the insurance company picks it up. You hire this doctor for their services so why not interview them? I have done this a few times and have never been sorry, it's how I came across the best doctor I know to date. Trust me, having been in the medical field for 7+years now, there real losers and winners out there. You sure want to know what you are getting.
   — tazthewiz23

June 11, 2006
I guess I'd find a different family Doctor. Sometimes WLS is the last resort, and after having lap band I AM finally ABLE to eat right and exercise and not feel hungry and deprived anymore. It's not right for everyone, but it IS right for some. You need a Dr. who is at least willing to consider that possibility.
   — Debra R.

June 11, 2006
I had the same issue...my old PCP believed only in Weight Watchers....which I tried and would lose...but would gain it all back plus. I finally switched PCPs and was able to get the new doctor to help me start the process.
   — mmcphee1

June 11, 2006
My PCP was not really WLS friendly. I knew that about her, that her answer was diet and exercise. But that answer was never a long terms success with me. I had all the will power in the world, but my body just never saw it that way. I needed a bypass. So, I went to my doc, fully prepared to pull my records and leave. I didn't ask her if I could have the surgery, I informed her that I WAS having the surgery, and would she be willing to support my decision. Much to my surprise, and probably hers to, she agreed. She did admit she didn't know much about it, and that she would have to learn from me and with me. That was FINE with me, because she was willing to support me. I did my home work, and so did she. We've had a good working relationship for many years now. It's just making sure YOU are sold on the idea, after a lot of soul searching and researching. Then, knowing that the doctors work for us, we don't work for them. If one isn't agreeable with our decision, there will be another that will. Regards~
   — Statuesque

June 11, 2006
My primary care doctor was skeptical when I told him I was considering WLS. He also knows I "do my homework" and when I did decide to go ahead with lap RNY, he was supportive! He still continues to learn from me. If your doctor doesn't have an open mind about WLS, what else is he closing his mind to? (My doc asked if he could have other morbidly obese patients contact me about surgery! I am happy to talk to anyone about it.) Beyond whether your doctor "believes" in weight loss surgeries, remember that your doctor works for you! You are the one in charge of your body and your health and you make the decision whether or not to have surgery - not him.
   — koogy

June 12, 2006
If you really like your PCP, then try talking to him and directing him to the research that supports wls. The National Institute for Health recommends wls for people with a BMI over 40 ... So you may want to go to their website and print out information and give it to your doctor. If your dr is completely unsupportive, find another doctor. This is YOUR body. I am so grateful that my PCP is 100% supportive of surgery for me ... But if he wasn't, I would search for a new doctor. Good luck!!!
   — peacefuldaizy

June 12, 2006
find a bariatric surgeon who knows a primary who will refer you. You probably won't find a primary on your own that knows anything about this surgery. Everytime I go to a new Doc I feel like I have to give them a lesson in bariatric surgery. If you meet the criteria for BMI, find a family Dr. who will understand.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 13, 2006
Many doctors are misinformed about the surgery. Do your research online, go to a few of the seminars held by the surgeons, and get a new doctor. Also, check either online or get a copy of your insurance's guidelines for the surgery. that way, if you need to jump through some hoops, you can do it all simultaneously.
   — Novashannon




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