Sue40

I've just started, but this is what my process consists of: 1) initial consult with psychologist (that was today, it was also an intro to the program) 2) medical consult 3) 2 (or more) appointments with nutritionist 4) 2 (minimum) appointments with exercise physiologist 5) 1 "intro to lap band" session 6) 5 group meetings (once a week for 5 weeks) 7) follow-up with psychologist 8) meeting with surgeon Plus get approved by insurance, lose 30 pounds. They said they may have some flexibility on that because of my build (most of my trunk weight is in my chest, so they don't have to cut through much for the surgery). No liquid diet required before surgery, they just want to see the weight loss. I went out and bought a date planner today to keep track of it all.

I have my first appointment at Tufts/NEMC next week. On the phone today they were telling me about requirements before surgery (psych eval, group counseling for 5 weeks, nutritionist, exercise physiologist...) including the requirement that I lose 10% of my body weight before I schedule surgery. I thought I heard that wrong and asked for them to repeat it, LOL! She said they are flexible if the 10% loss will make you drop below 40 BMI, but for me that's not an issue. I've been reading these threads and haven't read of anyone having to lose that much. Based on my weight I would have to lose about 29 pounds. What are your experiences with this? How much did you have to lose and how did they calculate it? Thanks. I realize it is what it is - they can set whatever requirements they want, I'm just curious.

My understanding of UHC is that the plans vary widely, depending on what company you work for. My policy is through a large financial services company. The paperwork we are provided says surgery is covered if you are morbidly obese. I called UHC and they said all they need is a letter from the doctor listing my height, weight and BMI. As long as the BMI is over 40 I am covered. NOTHING else is required. No monitoring, no diets, etc. I am hoping this is actually how it will work for me! Wish me luck, my first consult is Wednesday.

I have my first consult at Tufts on Wednesday. They told me over the phone thatthey require you lose 10% of your body weight (not excess weight) pre-surgery. That seems like a lot, and I haven't seen any others on here that were required to do this. Was this your experience with Tufts? If not, how much were you required to lose? Also, any other info you have on the program would be appreciated.

I have my first consult at Tufts on Wednesday. They told me over the phone thatthey require you lose 10% of your body weight (not excess weight) pre-surgery. That seems like a lot, and I haven't seen any others on here that were required to do this. Was this your experience with Tufts? If not, how much were you required to lose? Also, any other info you have on the program would be appreciated.

Thanks. So it sounds like Tufts is much stricter than most. :wink_smile: I expected them to tell me I needed to lose 10% of the AMOUNT TO LOSE, not 10% of BODY WEIGHT. That is a huge difference! I weigh about 290 and should weigh about 160, so I have 130 to lose. I could lose 13 pounds. But 29? :wink2: She did say they will give you meds to help, such as Meridia, but I don't generally due well with meds. And Meridia gives headaches which I already have problems with. I dieted last year and after months and months I only lost 15 pounds, with the help of a nutritionist. I wonder if they are flexible on it? Other than my weight I am healthy. No sugar issues, no BP issues, etc. In fact, I am doing this primarily as a last ditch effort to have a baby (hospital won't do IVF at my weight and adoption is difficult as well).