Let's talk about this 6 month WL program

[Allens Comedy 8]

im with Humana for my insurance and I think I'm going to have to go through a six month doctor monitored weight loss program. I've been on diets my whole life. Weight watchers online, Atkins, paleo. None work for me. Why do the insurance companies require this? If I could lose this weight on my own, I wouldn't need WLS. If I could do this on my own my doctor wouldn't need to say it was a MEDICAL NECESSITY. Keyword NECESSITY. I'm just a little frustrated over it all. Anyone else go through this?

[Idalola 11]

Oh, yes! I had to do the same thing. My Dr. didn't require me to lose any certain amount of weight before the surgery, but he did say I could not gain even one pound. The 6 month program takes you through visits with a nutritionist, trainer, the Dr., and a psychiatrist. I sort of felt the same way you did in the beginning, but being this side of surgery, I can see the importance of those required visits. Believe it or not, those 6 months will fly by and you'll be ready for surgery before you know it! I hope all goes well for you!

[mchap25 65]

It goes quickly and you will learn valuable tools to help make surgery a success. They want to see that you will make necessary changes for success. So many programs don't require this and many of those people gain the weight back, don't lose, or put their health in further danger. Relax and enjoy the journey!

[shellyd88 463]

@@Allens Comedy it's basically a delay tactic by the insurance company's in hopes u will decide it's too hard to follow the rules and the endless visits tests weigh ins etc and u give up and they don't have to pay for it

[Phoenix924 16]

I'm with Humana too. I did the six visits with a dietician and it went fast!

[Allens Comedy 8]

I'm with Humana too. I did the six visits with a dietician and it went fast!

Were those once per month?

[The Candidate 3,215]

Yep, my insurance required it too, plus we're supposed to lose 10 percent of our excess weight. Initially I felt the same way you did, but I came through it just fine.

The time absolutely passed by a lot faster than I could ever imagine and I did lose the required weight.

It's been a month since then, and I've been approved for surgery! Only to find out that there are worse things than the six month mandate. And that's waiting for an actual surgery date. Could be July. Could be August or September. I don't know.

But I've come to an understanding that I have no control over the "process" and no two "processes" are alike. So I rejoice in simply having made it this far, and in the sure knowledge that my day is coming. One thing is for sure though, my resolve that this is the right choice for me has never once wavered.

So I spend as much time as I can imagining my great future, and as little time as possible wallowing in the wait. In the meantime I congratulate those who get there before me, and encourage those who will get there after me.

Your time too will come! I promise! Just hang in there and learn as much as you can!

[Memilie80 18]

I had to do 10 weight management phone calls over 6 months. I found it demeaning and patronizing. But I use the time to talk about more emotional eating problems than anything else and felt like I made some progress with that part of things.

[CheleLynn45 615]

My insurance required a 6 month doc supervised diet also. I was actually ok with that because WLS is not something I had been looking into forever. It just kinda happened. I was thankful for that time to get my head wrapped around all the changes that were going to take place and all the hard work I would have to do to be successful with my weight loss.

Being able to take that time to research and really figure out why I could lose weight but not keep it off has really helped me be successful so far with my weight loss. My insurance didn't require me to lose a specific amount of weight and I actually gained a little and lost again during the 6 months.

I had received a letter about 4 months in that the hospital that my surgeon operated out of was no longer going to be in network. That meant everything stopped, he didn't operate any where else so I thought I was done. But I kept going to my doc appts just in case they settled the contracts. And lo and behold they did and I was able to continue thru with the process.

My surgery was scheduled for October 27th and I was good to go. I really used those 6months to get very ready for my new life. I know it can be frustrating but it does go by so fast its crazy. I can't believe it has already been 7 1/2 months, I really don't know where the time has gone.

Good luck with your journey!!

[Allens Comedy 8]

Well...I found out today that Humana doe NOT require this unless the surgeon requires it. I called my surgeons office and they have o requirements for the doctor supervised weight loss. All they need from me is a letter form my PCP clearing me for surgery and a medical necessity letter to go to the insurance. The nurse told me once I get the psych exam (Thursday) that I could be scheduled for surgery within a month. YAY ME!