new member

papaya · May 19, 2006

Hi All

I am a new member going through the insurance approval process. Apparently, GEHA requires a 6 month doctor approved diet with monthly visits. I have a very high BMI and have succesfully controlled my type II diabetes by greatly reducing the amount I eat and eliminating as much as possible refined carbs. Hopefully, the insurance co will take this into accountand wave the 6 month diet requirment.

If not it will be at least 6 months before I get approval for the procedure.

I certainly don't want to wait. :phanvan

Any words of wisdom about the insurance isue would be appreciated.

papaya

BarbaraC · May 21, 2006

I wish you all the luck with GEHA and hope they approve you. Maybe if you have a history of weight loss attemps they may take that into consideration.

Elisabethsew · May 21, 2006

Most companies demand that 6 month medically supervised diet. Since you're diabetic, couldn't your MD write a letter stating that he/she has been medically supervising your weight loss attempts for X years? Welcome to the board!

papaya · May 22, 2006

Thanks Elisabethsew.

My doctor has already provided a letter of medical need and also stated that I have been on a low glycemic index diet for 5 years. During that time my need for injected insulin was eliminated. My eyes were also in bad shape when I went on the diet (I needed two laser eye surgeries) and my eyes have dramitically improved as well.

lotsofkids · May 22, 2006

and glad you are being pro-active.....don't wait for the band to lose all your wt.....do start losing some now....you will be in a better place for when you do get banded.

hope to see you around,

warm wishes,

diane : )

ralheit · May 23, 2006

Unfortunately it's true. Most insurances will require the 6 month diet. But the fact that your Dr. stated he has been monitoring for 5 years should be plenty. Good luck, hope it all works out for you.

Posted June 27, 2006 · June 27, 2006

Please let me know how it goes for you. I have GEHA too.

I live in Montgomerry County. I need to find an experienced surgeon and go through the 6 month supervised diet attempt - unless my blood pressure, angina, and lower limb edema make the delay dangerous. Trouble is I don't know any docs and I don't want to pick one out of the phone book!

Any advice you can share will help. Thanks

papaya · June 30, 2006

I live in the Northwest about 75 miles north of Seattle and am going to the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery center. There are many Montgomery Counties so I am not sure what part of the country you live in.

As for GEHA insurance, I am severely overweight (a BMI of over 60) and have many of the problems associated with severe obesity. I also have been closely supervised by a fine family doctor for about 5 years and have been on a low glycemic index diet which has helped control my diabetes.

When applying to GEHA all this supervision was documented by my family doctor and he wrote a letter as well explaining my medical need for the Lapband and the fact that I had done much in the way of diet to control my weight and my Diabetes.

The effort was successful in eliminating the need for insulin (I still take oral medication) and bringing my diabetes under control but resulted in very modest weight loss.

Fortunately, by documenting my efforts diet wise and my need I was approved for the procedure the first time I applied and am now going through the pre surgery hoops.

Good luck in your efforts

Papaya