9 replies to this topic

[tandykins]

My GP is not willing to write the letter that I will need for early release of super which is how I have chosen to fund my banding procedure. Well, he is - but he's not willing to write something that would be helpful to me. He says that my obesity and my BMI of 55 as well as my high cholesterol, prediabetes and my plethora of other medical probles is not life threatening - therefore he cannot, in good conscience, write the letter that I require.

While annoyed, I'm pretty sure that he Just Doesn't Get It ™ and I'll probably keep going to him for general medical things because he is a good and supportive doctor. The man just has no earthly idea how bariatric surgery, early release of super and bariatrics' relation to Medicare works. Fair enough - but I need that damned letter.

I'm hoping to get one from the bariatrician at Dr Mosse's office next week but in the meantime I'm also looking at trolling for new doctors.

Tomorrow I'm going to follow .Kylie.'s advice and just go to a medical center. ...BUT...on the off-chance that this is not helpful either, I thought I would ask Canberra bandits - were your GPs supportive and where can I find them?

[103toomuch]

Holy shit, I can't believe he doesn't see your case as worthy of support! You've got a big BMI AND co-morbidity issues!!!!

[.Kylie.]

Fingers crossed the medical centre will work for you! I'm sure it will. Let me know how you go!

[pinkkat]

Sorry I can't help you - I just went to the medical centre in Canberra to get my referral as I normally just see one of those doctors, the one I saw didn't agree with gastric banding but he still wrote my referral. As for the forms for release of super I didn't need to do it.

All I can say is good luck with it, I'm thinking that Dr Mosse's clinic will be able to help you out though - they are all so fantastic!!

[Shorty]

Perhaps Dr Mosse's clinic can recommend someone??
S

[jade7380]

Cant your lap-band surgeon write you the letter you need ?? and if not im sure you could find a GP that would consider your weight and weight related problems life threating

[tandykins]

The form requires letters from two doctors, one of whom is a specialist in the relevant field.

[Steff]

My GP was on annual leave so I ended up getting a doctor I didn't know and it was totally fine.. I said I wanted a referral to meet with a specialist to discuss options... Then said if I do go ahead, I will need a letter from him to access my Super so to save each other time can I get that now as well... This is what it needs to say, and he was fine... Asked him his opinion on lap band vs sleeve, it was actually quite interesting coming from a GP (he was on team lap band) and he'd had experience with lap band patients.. Good luck... Oh and he was at a medical centre too, but in qld..

[kazbo]

Hey Tandykins, I sent you a personal message with my GP details

[Suzyk]

regarding the Lap Band, do you have both a surgeon and Lapband GP?? or Lapband Psych. Thats where I got mine from and they are more then willing to write it down (they like the $$$). My two letters were identical with two separate signatures.