Hi guys!! What is the point of the 3 or 6 month pre op diet? Is it for weight loss or just to maintain? What is insurance accually looking for, and could I be denied if I loose weight?

Well, I didn't have to do it. My Dr wanted me to lose weight for 2 reasons.

1.) to prove I was serious about this and willing to change my eating habits

2.) to shrink my liver because it is in the way of band placement and he said that when you first lose weight a lot of that weight is off your liver?????

My insurance company (Medica) did not require a 6 month pre-diet.

The nurse I worked with through my insurance said it was for a few reasons. 1) was to see if I actually could make some progress and "stick to some rules"; 2) was to ensure I was serious and wasn't doing this as a quick fix; 3) was for some initial weight loss; and, 4) was to help me learn about better nutrition because I also had to attend dietician sponsored trainings.

I don't think you would be denied if you lost weight unless you are super close to the BMI cut off. I was in no danger of that though! GOOD LUCK!

They do not turn you down for losing weight. I asked about that too. They are actually hoping you will lose some on your own to show you are serious and can follow a regimen.

It depends on the insurance company. I was recently banded through Cigna. If I had lost more than a certain % of weight, I would have been denied because they would conclude that I could lose the weight without surgery. However, some other companies require you to lose a certain amount of weight to prove that you ARE disciplined enough to have the surgery. The insurance specialist in your surgeon's office is probably familiar with the philosophy for each company and can possibly give you more insight on what will get you approved.

Omgoodness!! I am so thrilled I went through a pre-op 3 month program. The people there were so informative. There's sooooooo much to learn about being banded and living with the band!

My insurance didn't require any pre-op program, it was the surgeons doing. And the best decision I've made in my life.

There was a reason I never succeeded at weight loss or maintaining weight loss, I was uneducated about it all! From food to exercise, I always had an excuse or a 'know it all' attitude. I went into the program with a open mind, and absorbed ever piece of information I could. This band will not only save my life, but my families lives. In 5 months I've lost 19 pre-op lbs. I feel amazing. And without meeting with all the people in the pre-op program, id have make the journey alone, with not nearly enough support. In 12 days I will be banded. Im so excited, and so happy that I have that support, information & knowledge to turn into such a positive in my life. This was my expirence, hope it helps:) & good luck to you!!!!

Thanks for the help guys

My experience has been almost a mirror of Clark's. I couldn't have said it better! Good luck!

This is all good information. Thanks for replying to Anali. I now understand this better.