I'm from MA, and psyched to do this NOW. I've been reading other posts that say you've got to wait 6 months and do the i can change diet for Tufts Health Plan. I've already been on diets and waiting for YEARS! Can the dr. bypass this or is it mandatory?

I don't know about that particular diet, or if it's just their way to mandate a 6-month monitored diet prior to approval. Lots of plans do that. My insurance didn't require it but my surgeon did.

We've all been on diets for years and years, so I understand what you mean. But they didn't know you going through those diets, and you will be eating very differently for the rest of your life. It's worth taking the time to do everything that the insurance and/or surgeon requires. There are reasons for them, to be sure patients have clear, realistic expectations of what living banded is all about.

Depending on the insurance, you may be able to do some of the other required steps, such as nutritional consults and psych evaluations, while you are the monitored diet. I'd definitely ask about that. I used my time to also do other stuff such as weaning myself off of both caffeine and my beloved Diet Coke, since that's a definite no-no post-op. I tried some different Proteins, made sure I had all my regular medical exams and tests done, etc. I also read Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies, which should be required reading.

You probably can attend a WLS support group run by your surgeon before you are approved; my surgeon encouraged people just considering it to attend and ask questions of patients and doctors. It all helps.

Do check with Tufts for clarity on what they mean by the I Can Change Diet, which is a new one for me. I did WW which apparently is the most common for pre-op patients in my area. I actually lost 47 lbs during my 7 months on it pre-op and went into surgery feeling strong and knowing I could succeed.

Good luck - keep us posted!