Help - dr. refused to prescribe phen!!

[KATYGAL]

So I went to see this doc specifically because she had listed "weight management" as one of her interests on her website. She refused to prescribe phentermine due to "safety" reasons. Bummer. I've been lurking on this site - can't wait to start but need a prescription.
I don't want to go to a weight loss clinic since they usually do not accept insurance and would be too expensive. Does anyone know any regular dr. that does prescribe phen here in Katy, TX? Or even Houston? Thanks!

[VeryLargeBob]

it's a catch-22, many doctors who accept insurance won't prescibe phen, and many weightloss centers who don't accept insurance will prescibe phen.

I found wellcareclinic dot com online in Houston. they charge 100 bucks for a first visit but flat out say they'll give you a phen prescription (thats a bit unusual). that may be your best bet.

[KATYGAL]

Yes, I saw that too - but they very clearly say that that's for the first visit only - they must be charging more after that. Also, they do not give the length of the prescription - it could just be a couple of weeks!!

[benson012094]

I would be very surprised if you found a doctor who took insurance to prescribe phen. Most doctors who prescribe phen do it because it's a big money maker. Good luck with that though.

[emmeylou]

I'm sorry to hear that your doc wouldn't prescribe it- how tall are you? There is a chance that since you seem to have only about 40 pounds (i say "only" when compared to people on phen losing 100+, not trying to downgrade you or anything at all) your doc probably doesn't think it is necessary. Though it is very popular here and online, phen is not well known and many doctors are very reluctant to prescribe it. Also, since it was your first visit the doc might have thought you were just a pill pusher (again, i'm not saying you are, just brainstorming here :P ) and dismissed it.

Benson mentioned that it will be very difficult finding a doc who accepts insurance to prescripe phen- my doc does, and did prescribe it for me. In my case i am extremely obese and have medical conditions directly related to the weight (and treatable with weight loss) so the risks outweighed the benefits.

Again, i'm sorry that you are so disappointed. Keep with your diet and i know you'll do great even without phen.

[KATYGAL]

emmylou,

No, she did not say I didn't weigh enough to warrant medication - she flat out said she doesn't write a prescription for it because it is a stimulant and can increase heart rate.

I'm a touch above 5'3' so my BMI is 28 point something - definitely very overweight but not obese yet - still close enough to 30 where I'll be officially obese!

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Watching my diet is not really helping much - gotta up the working out.

[elemteach5]

Was there a health reason that caused her not to prescribe it? If so, you need to listen to the doctor. Now, if it wasn't a really good reason, your best bet would be a weight loss clinic. Most weight loss doctors do not take insurance though. I only pay $59.00 a month and that is for the office visit and they give you 30 of the 37.5 phen as you leave. Good luck and don't give up.........

[naomi777]

Originally Posted by KATYGAL

Yes, I saw that too - but they very clearly say that that's for the first visit only - they must be charging more after that. Also, they do not give the length of the prescription - it could just be a couple of weeks!!

I would call them to see, it doesn't cost you anything to call and find out. My doctor charged me $70 for the first visit but now charges me $25 per visit after the first initial consult. I think they put there fee upfront because they don't want to waste there time if someone isn't able to afford upfront fees.

[sweethrt28]

i know how you feel my doctor would not prescribe me phen because i was not obese so i found a clinic that i just go in pay $80 for a visit and month supply and get my blood pressure taken and i am on my way!

i hope it works out for you !!!