So I just got word that now I have to do a 6 months Physician-Supervised Weight Loss Program.. Which my WLSC doesnt even provide I have to go to my regular family practice to do. I just feel like all my hope and hard work to get this approved has gone down the drain.. I'm scared if I do lose weight during the 6 months I wont be approve because Insurance will think I can do it by myself.. Has anyone else had to do the 6 month supervised diet? I feel like 6 months is such a long time to wait to have surgery. Why can't it be 3 months?

I have to admit this is probably my biggest fear!!! I have Dr records of being put on Phentermine by my PCP, and records where my endocrinologist had me on metformin and diet for insulin resistance, so I am hoping that is gonna be good enough!!!! I am so impatient I would do this tomorrow, but all these repsonses from folks who have had to do it are really encouraging. Since I know the band isn't some magic pill I should be prepared to make some lifestyle changes BEFORE if I have to. I just don't wanna wait!!

I am on my second month of the Physician Supervised weight loss and am working to lose as much a I can prior to the procedure. I started out at 270 and lost 6lbs the first month. My goal is to go into the band prepared and with healthier eating habits and a sustainable excercise program. My Surgeon's office has said that I can lose down to 210 and still be in the approved BMI range for Insurance coverage and as a plus have momentum going into the band. I would like to be able to get to 210 and it's going to be hard work but realistically if I can get to 230 I will be pleased.

Good luck with your journey!!!

Initial Consult with Surgeon 12/07/10

Initial Visit with FP and beginning of Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program 12/07/2010

Height 5'4 weight 270lbs BMI 46.3

First Weigh In 01/07/2011 263lbs BMI 45.1

• I am eating Low Carb/ High Protein and Swimming.

I just completed the 6 months supervised diet as well. The time went by faster than you'd think. My insurance required me to lose 5% of my starting weight. My starting BMI was just over 40, so the diet put me under. That was not a problem. They use the starting BMI to determine 'Morbid Obesity'. Anyway, as of today I'm approved and they are going to do the referral to the surgeon today! Woo hoo!

Now, I hope the surgeon doesn't require more hoops...

I had to do the same thing. It goes by fast and it didn't impact the insurance approval. It actually got me prepped for post surgery because I started a partial Protein shake diet and joined a support group. Good Luck...the band is only one tool!

I'm not an expert, but I think from what I've heard six months is the recommended amount of time and is more common that three months.

I experienced the same situation. While it was very frustrating to think I had to wait another 6 months, it was also very good time to take and delve into learning everything you can about Lap Band and all of the life changes you will have. My family physician or a dietitian in most cases can get you through the six months of monthly appointments. My suggestion is use the time proactively. I started seeing a counselor to explore my emotional eating habits and also tried to start counting calories and watching the labels of what I was eating. I just had my lap band done on 1/10/11 and am very glad I had those six months to prepare mentally more than anything.

Thank you, it was all very helpful infomation.. I hope it goes by super quick.

You know every doctor is different. My insurance did not require a supervised diet but my doctor required a 10% body weight loss before he would perform surgery. Keep in mind my BMI was WAY about 40. I had lost my thirty pounds in just under 3 months had a surgery date and had to postpone because a blood clot that I was treating was not suitably disolved.

I ended up having to wait 7.5 months! NOT HAPPY. Remember the more you loose presurgery the lower your eventual goal weight will be (at least according to my surgeon).