6 Months of dieting

amanda45414 · July 23, 2008

Hey everyone my doctors office told me today that my insurance might ask me for 6 months of diet before they approve me lap band surgery. When I read the documents that insurance sent me it does not say anything about having to have 6 months of documentation. I did do 3 months of adipex with my doc and they have that record. I hope that is enough to get me through. Have any of you had this happen? They will be submitting my info to the insurance company tomorrow. Please say a little prayer for me!

Lanakila · July 23, 2008

I am sending loads of good thoughts your way! I was really worried about that 6 month thing too. My insurance policy didn't come right out and say it, but my surgeon said that it's about 30% of the time that they require it. He said that it was mostly for folks with borderline low BMIs and nearly controlled co-morbidities (like pre-diabetes instead of diabetes.) I am on 5 different blood pressure meds, have sleep apnea, and a BMI of just barely under 50. They approved me without the diet thing. I also had documentation of where I had joined a hospital diet counseling program in February...so I was hoping that would have been a good backup if I needed it.

I would think that if they asked for it that your doctor supervised adipex approach would be enough. I hope that the entire issue is moot and that they approve you super fast!!!

Mamacj · July 24, 2008

I feel the same way, I have on my pre op paperwork that they need documented 6 months supervised wt loss attempt, does that mean they won't take into account the 25 years of trying everything possible? I know I was on phenteramine once and meridia, but I don't have any idea how long those regimens lasted. I know others who have been pretty much where I am weight/BMI/health wise and they were approved easily. So, we will be approved, too!

Laurinda · July 24, 2008

The six month diet seems to be pretty common! I had to do it, Time flies VERY fast! Good-luck to you!

chic28 · July 28, 2008

My insurance company also required 6 consecutive months of supervised weight loss visits. In addition to that they required weight history for at least the past 3 years. This was regardless of what comorbid conditions or BMI.

feastean · July 28, 2008

What if you don't lose the weight during the 6 month diet attempt? Isn't that the reason why I am having the surgery because it is not working the natural way.