Hi,

Me again. I just read about the 6 month diet. Does anyone know if everyone has to go through this?

Hi,

Me again. I just read about the 6 month diet. Does anyone know if everyone has to go through this?

It is a requirement by SOME insurance companies they want it on record, signed off by a M.D. That you did indeed make a serious, medically supervised diet program before you considered surgery. For my insurance, it had to be within 2 years of my surgery request.

When I had my initial consult in the surgeons office, they gave me a print out of what my insurance required.

Typically only if your insurance requires it. I have UHC and my plan does not.

Depends on your insurance. medicare doesn't require it. From the time I even thought about the band and the time I went thru surgery - it was 1 month.

Marci

My insurance did require this six month diet. I went to one meeting with my dietician and the nurses at my Bariatrics center tried my luck to see if I'd be approved for surgery anyway, they said sometimes people get approved without having to wait six months. Sure enough I was denied.

I then gave up and stopped making appointments for my lap band requirements. A little less than a month later I get a congratulatory call saying I was approved!! They never stopped trying!! I guess the second or third request for approval worked and here I am. Almost 2 weeks post op and down 20 lbs!!

I am self pay. I didn't. My process is going quick.I don't have to have the six month diet and some of the other tests.

My insurance required two years.

Oh, I have Medicare so I'm glad I won't have to do the 6 months. I've already tried the Alli but it didn't work and I only tried it for about 3 months or so.

Thanks again everyone

For each insurance company it is different. Make sure to check with your surgeon's insurance coordinator for a detailed listing of what the surgery will require.

My insurance does require a doctor sign off on six months of supervised weight loss. I think it is simply a deterrent for those who aren't serious about getting the surgery.

Gotta love insurance companies.

Mines told me u had to do a 9 month diet

My insurance company required 6 months as well. Also, A Psych Exam and a Co-Morbity (Sleep Apnea is my Co-Morbity) I have completed the Psych Exam and 2 months of the Dr supervised diet. Waiting game is tough but it's going quick. Good Luck.

I'm with UHC and I had to do it. I haven't been given a specific amount-we just talk about changing habits. I'm on month 3 and it goes by quickly!