6 Month Insurance Waiting Period

[HollyC 7]

What is the best strategy during the 6 month insurance waiting period. I'm told that they want you to do a weight loss program for 6 months where you have to go in and be weighed. Is the best strategy to lose a little bit so it looks like you need help? What happens if you lose too much and they say you don't need surgery?

[WillowsKnot 71]

I was also worried about this issue. What I did was loose a little, but not too much. I did start an exercise program, and use the time to do a lot of research, reading, and did a lot of work on myself. I used the time to learn how to chew my food slower, not drink for 30 mins. after eating, etc. All those things that I would need to put into practice after I had my surgery. I also took the time to get my head in the right place. If I felt a binge coming on during those 6 months, I figured out how to deal with it knowing that I would no longer be able to eat my way through it. The 6 months went by faster than I thought and I accomplished a lot. I also got my house in order. Since you can't do a lot of heavy lifting after surgery, I remodeled my livingroom and kitchen. Painted, put in new floors and remodeled my main bathroom. Now 1/2 my house has a new look, just like I will. LOL Hang in there, it will go fast!

[littlebits 154]

I was also worried about this issue. What I did was loose a little' date=' but not too much. I did start an exercise program, and use the time to do a lot of research, reading, and did a lot of work on myself. I used the time to learn how to chew my food slower, not drink for 30 mins. after eating, etc. All those things that I would need to put into practice after I had my surgery. I also took the time to get my head in the right place. If I felt a binge coming on during those 6 months, I figured out how to deal with it knowing that I would no longer be able to eat my way through it. The 6 months went by faster than I thought and I accomplished a lot. I also got my house in order. Since you can't do a lot of heavy lifting after surgery, I remodeled my livingroom and kitchen. Painted, put in new floors and remodeled my main bathroom. Now 1/2 my house has a new look, just like I will. LOL Hang in there, it will go fast![/quote']

I agree! I am almost finished with my six months of supervised visits. I have two more visits (April & May). I feel like that time is needed to wrap your mind around your new life & new way of thinking. Good luck!

Little bits

[HollyC 7]

Little bits - how much are you loosing while you wait? are you trying not to lose too much? My husband had the sleeve & DS 3 years ago and lost 200 pounds so I think I'm pretty prepared for everything and am just anxious to get going. Tomorrow is my consult - I'm hoping the insurance won't be six months!

[littlebits 154]

I don't want to lose too much, until my liquid diet stage. I barely qualify; according to my doctor, my weight induced illnesses (hbp & diabetes) are what really qualify me. Meanwhile, I don't understand how that is the case...I get a little angry about that since I weigh 214 lbs @ 5'2". (Sorry...I had to vent for a moment.) So, I'm really trying to maintain & not gain right now. Anyway, the six months have practically flown by...honestly. I was upset at first, but it really wasn't bad.

Little bits

[littlebits 154]

Little bits - how much are you loosing while you wait? are you trying not to lose too much? My husband had the sleeve & DS 3 years ago and lost 200 pounds so I think I'm pretty prepared for everything and am just anxious to get going. Tomorrow is my consult - I'm hoping the insurance won't be six months!

Good luck & I hope that you won't have to wait too long!!! If you have gone through the process with your husband, you are probably better prepared than most of us.

Little bits

[MeMeMEEE 206]

I did weight watchers and went to the meetings the whole 6 months. I lost about 20% of the total I need to lose, 21 lbs, then another 7 on the 2 week pre-op diet. I followed WW pretty close but didn't kill myself with it. Show them you can follow a plan - it isn't so much about losing alot as showing them you can commit to a lifestyle change.

[chicagochic 73]

Check the new insurance rules! Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Illinois just dropped the 6 month wait. And my insurance is from Tennessee, and they don't have a wait either. I would say double check with your insurance company every month or do just to make sure they haven't dropped that antiquated wait policy. All it serves to do is have people get discouraged and drop out.

[HollyC 7]

Thanks chicagochic. I had my dr. appt today and told him - he was going to have the lady in his office check it out since several people are waiting. he said it wouldn't surprise him if they did away with it. Unfortunately, I'm the type of person that once I decide to do something I want to do it. Got my psych appt tomorrow and am waiting to hear back from a nutrionist.

Thanks again to everyone for their help!

[favoredone 590]

Most insurance companies look at you BMI when you start the supervised weight loss.. I wish I would have lost more during my 6 months.. but that's spilled milk!! LOL...

I did learn to listen to my body and how to modify my eating habits, eat on schedule and some of the changes I would go through after being sleeved.. I don't think you can prepare for everything.. Heck, I didn't know this journey was so emotionally and mentally engaging!! LOL..

I wouldn't trade my new life for anything though!!! Best wishes!!!!

[HollyC 7]

thanks everyone! another question - I went to tickerfactory but now how do I add it?

[HollyC 7]

never mind - found instructions

[HollyC 7]

Called Blue Shield today and the guy on the phone told me I didn't have to do the 6 months so I got all excited. Dr.'s office called and spoke to 2 different people and they said I did. I emailed the question and got back the answer that I do have to - why did that guy have to get my hopes up for nothing!!

Good news I passed the psych review with flying colors - said I'm a perfect candidate. Have my nutrionist appt on Tuesday - going to ask her if she can monitor my weight for 6 months - depending on how much she charges

[favoredone 590]

As of last month BCBS stopped requiring the 6 month WLP.... could it be your company's own policy requirement?

[HollyC 7]

No according to my dr each state is different. In California Blue Cross and Blue Shield are two separate companies. I think I'll call again on a month and maybe every month - that should make the time fly by;)