Substitutes for 6 month diet and counseling

[Trinity321 0]

I have participated in 4 different diet programs 2 of which were supervised by a doctor prior to making the decision to have WLS. The most recent one was in 2005 and then again in 2007. I am wondering if I will be able to use those medical records in lieu of having to do the 6 month supervised diet under UHC Choice Plus. Anyone know?

PS. Would online programs count, like We**ght Wat***ers?

[educationrulz 18]

I was told by my nurse coordinator through UHC that Weight Watchers would count with the proper documentation. But, you're going to have to talk to your personal coordinator to find out if that will work for your plan. I'm learning that the plans differ quite a bit across employers. I suspect there are some time requirements too in terms of how old your documentation can be. Do you have a nurse coordinator assigned yet?

[Trinity321 0]

Yes, I have a coordinator. I haven't chosen a surgeon yet. I've been considering Dr. Macik as well. I will speak with my nurse coordinator/caseworker on 5/17/10 for the first time. The time requirement may be an issue. My documentation for Weight Watchers is about 4 years old.

[Trinity321 0]

Well, let's say that Weight Watchers is okay to substitute for the 6 month diet. Is the psych evaluation a one time visit or is that over a period of time as well?

[educationrulz 18]

Well, let's say that Weight Watchers is okay to substitute for the 6 month diet. Is the psych evaluation a one time visit or is that over a period of time as well?

The psych eval should be one visit. The psychologist who did mine told me there was a possibility of a second visit depending on how the eval went, but we got it done in one visit. I guess I'm not quite as crazy as I thought I was. :thumbup1:

The 6 month counseling requirement is the one that you won't be able to wiggle on. You're going to have to do that over a 6 month time period. Even if someone is in counseling prior to submitting the request for surgery, I don't think it would count because the counseling/support groups have to be specifically geared toward WLS.

[hockey66 0]

For my 6 month PCP check ups, they have to be back to back and have the proper forms filled out. And one appointment with the psychologist unless he felt I needed more, thankful he said i was fine. Was told that if I wanted more before or after surgery that would be fine.