Gaining during the 6 month required diet?

[nsklors 0]

I have to do the 6 months of dietition appointments for one of my insurance companies. I was wondering if anyone else has done this and if gaining weight can ruin your chances of being approved?.. Thank you

[Angera 2]

I don't know the exact truth to it, but i was told gaining reflected negatively on your case because it made you look "non-compliant" to the insurance company.

Not sure how true this is.

[thistime 0]

I gained 16 1/2 pounds during my 6 month "diet". I haveCigna and was approved without incident.

[BetsyB 9]

My insurance company only used my starting BMI to determine eligibility. Well, that and results of the required testing intended to demonstrate that I was a safe candidate.

(Other policies may be very different--be sure to ask your doctor's insurance specialist what YOUR specific policy requires.)

My surgeon required a 6-pound loss (at least) for those who had three-month insurance waiting periods, and 10 pounds for those with a six-month period. No ifs, ands, or buts--if you couldn't lose the required amount in your timeframe, then banding would not occur. For those who do not meet their loss goals, the clock is reset to Day One, their waiting period is restarted, and they can try again (if their insurance companies allow--sometimes, noncompliance with a surgeon's plan rules you out; again, VERY important to check with your insurer for specifics).

I think most doctors want to see their patients demonstrate an ability to change habits and adhere to a new way of eating before undergoing a life-changing surgery that requires enormous dietary change for most of us.

They don't expect miracles--obviously, dieting hasn't worked for anyone who's seeking weight loss surgery. And I suppose that they do see quite a bit of Last Supper Syndrome. But they do expect general short-term compliance, because it is a predictor of long-term success with the band.

[amandac82 0]

I gained 10lbs during my 6 month "diet", however I kinda set myself up for that. When I received my first appt date I started a diet so I wouldn't look like a "fattie" during my first weight in. WEll I got down to 224. Thats not my true weight. And I knew it. So when I weighted 227 the next time it looked like I wasn't compliant when actually that should of been my beginning weight. Anyway, haven't heard from insurance yet but when I do I'll let you know the outcome! :thumbup:

[danide 0]

I gained 10 pounds as well. My surgeon doesn't require me to lose any weight but I wasn't trying to gain... There were a 3 rough months (of 6) with lots of parties and events... I am trying now to lose a few pounds though, even before my pre-op diet. My insurance is pending right now so I don't know if my gain will affect it. (I have a funny feeling that I won't be approved regardless). My surgery date is Sept. 7th.

My primary doctor told me that the purpose of the 6 month supervised diet was really just a protocal, that the insurance company wants to see if you CAN lose weight on your own and how much on your own without a surgery. But who knows- all doctors probably say different things.

[CSinTX 0]

I had to do the 6 month diet thing and was told absolutely don't gain a pound and lose a little weight. I only lost 8 pounds total over the entire 6 months. Was approved 3 days after we submitted paperwork.