my doctor wont give me a referral

Hi Jungle Fever

I agree. It's not okay. And he doesn't get to make the decision - you do.

I think you should call the surgery and insist on a referral - you've paid your money, and you're entitled to see the specialist, whether the doctor believes you should go ahead or not. You're not asking him to do the operation, after all, just to see another doctor.

If you're not up to this (and I totally get it if you're not), then see a different GP. Seems such a shame to have to pay out again, though, for something as simple as a referral.

Take a few deep breaths, consider your options, and make a stand.

Oh, and another thought - if you decide to go elsewhere, ask the weight loss surgeon if they can recommend a GP...

And good luck.

Junglefever - that is so not OK. Your GP does not get to decide for you whether this is the right option. I would a) get a second opinion and b) make a complaint to your health complaints authority.

Good luck with finding a supportive GP ... perhaps put a call out on this site for people in your area to recommend a GP.

You didn't get what you wanted, I would have asked to be bulk billed!!

Go see another GP definitely!

I agree with mona see another GP.

Hi junglefever,

My suggestion, get a second opinion. You obviously qualify for the surgery, don't let one doctor's opinion make the decision for you.

Learn all you can abt the positives and negatives of the surgery, potential complications, etc. This is a great site to learn about some of the realities of living with the sleeve, good and bad.
Then consider the positives and negatives of not having the surgery.

Get your referral from another GP, see the surgeon, then make up your own mind about whether this is the right solution for you.

Good luck

went to the the doctors today after ringing the GS clinic... they said i needed a doctors referral...

he took my weight and height and said i had a bmi of 39... But he wont give me a referral. it was so disapointing... i came home and ate! i was so depressed and disapointed.

He was middle eastern, not that im questioning his professionlism, but he said and I quote " if you were my sister I wouldnt advise you getting the surgery" His accent was thick I couldnt understand him properly....

I know im overweight, Ive put on alot of weight, and the receptionist at the GS clinic advised me that anyone over 31 bmi is eligible.

Im so frustrated right now... he said the operation is dangerous and that he deals with alot of people who have complications with the sleeve.

so I paid $70 dollars for 15 min conultation and walked out confused.