Do previous weight loss attempts HAVE to be documented?

[Ree 215]

I'm worried now. Anytime I ever did any kind of weight loss program I have never checked with my doctor because either I didn't have a doctor at the time or the doctor I have has never showed any interest in me or asked me if i wanted to help for my weight issue. Well now I am currently transferring to a new doctor but my first appointment isn't until June.

So no weight loss attempts in the past have been medically documented. However I've done the Atkins diet (2004), calorie control (2011), seen a dietician (last year) and did the LA weight loss program (over a decade ago). The ONLY weight loss attempt that might be documented is having seen the dietician but then she only had me come for two apppoinements, a week apart, never weighed me, just gave me the dietary plan she put together for me and then sent me on my way. Never asked that I have a follow up appointment with her or anything like that. So would that be enough for documented weight loss attempts?

If there isn't enough documented proof then they require patients to go through a 6 month nutrition/weight loss program before getting the surgery. I really don't want to go through that and have to wait even longer for the surgery. Any way around this? or are my previous weight loss attempts enough? Also I think they said at the seminar the weight loss attempts have to be within the last 5 years (I think?).

(also, they do not require any weight loss prior to the surgery but they said that the insurance company might require a 5% weight loss before surgery. I don't know if my insurance company requires that or not. I have BCBS of south carolina, even though I'm not from south carolina).

[Vixynne 695]

Monday morning, give your insurance company a call. When I called mine a couple weeks ago to ask about any qualifying rules and expenses, the representative I spoke to was able to clear up all of my concerns in less than five minutes. By the time I hung up the phone, I felt much more prepared with information and expectations.

My weight loss surgery seminar gave general statements about some insurance requirements, but there's no substitute for getting it directly from the source!

Oh, and my surgeon's first consultation appointment included a questionnaire that allowed me to list all of the weight loss attempts I had made on my own--none of which were medically-supervised--and that was good enough for them. Good luck!

[Takingcontrol 467]

I had to have 2 yrs of documentation of weight. So, 2 yrs of dr's visits with my weight documented. I didn't have to have proof of weight loss attempts..I just listed them like you did. Every insurance is different though....so like Vixynn said, best to call & get it straight from them!

[kelley5989 9]

I have BCBS of MD and it has to be a 6 month supervised diet. Ex: Weight Warchers, Jenny Craig, etc. it's a pain knowing I have to wait a whole 6 months before I even submit my stuff to insurance but I'm sure it will fly by. I'm not going to follow the WW program I'm only going to get weighed in for documentation, my BMI is lower and I can't lose too much or INsurance won't cover. Mine doesn't require you to lose a percentage before surgery tho. Weird how they have different requirements for different states.

[BeBeSpArKLeS 70]

My weightloss attempts were not documented. I had to write approximate dates and weightloss totals. I have bcbs illinois.

[SpaceDust 585]

I was irritated when I found out about the 6 month supervised diet, as well, but honestly, it ended up being a good thing. I had the opportunity to think it through in detail, and work with my dietician to understand what I'll need to do and what it will be like.

[Scylla 106]

I have BCBS H M O IL and had my surgical consult on 8/29. They require 6 months of medically supervised weight loss, and I had my first visit with the bariatric specialist from my surgeon's office. I was initially kinda mad (OK, VERY MAD) about having to do this because, duh, my BMI is 60! However, after my first MSWL visit I think it will be a good thing. She already has me trying to exercise more, tracking my food with the Lose It! app, trying to kick diet soda, and trying to get 80 grams of Protein a day and tracking my Water intake. This will all be in preparation for the way I will have to eat with the VSG, so its all good.

[Catalina 0]

I have BCBS of Minnesota, and I did have to go through six months of documented weight loss to be approved for the surgery. I am now approved, and honestly, I didn't like the wait at first, but soon came to not mind it nearly as much. I met with the dietician, she gave me a diet specific to me, and it worked very well. I lost quite a bit, and in the process I learned a lot about the way I will be eating in the future.

By time I reached six months, I actually said, "I can't believe it has been six months!" (I know, it shocked me, too! I never thought I would feel that way.)

Good luck to you, whatever your insurance decides is necessary.