Hi All,

Today is my first appointment with my pcp for my supervised diet. What can I expect? Are there any test that should be ran on the first visit? I also think I remember the pre-cert nurse at the surgeon office saying the first appointmenr doesn't count toward the 3 month requirement. Have any of you heard of this??

I'm not sure what insurance you have, but for me, they needed six forms to complete the six month diet plan my insurance required. If in doubt, I would recommend calling your insurance company. Ultimately, they're going to be the ones to decide what they need and I would hate for you to be disappointed.

On my first appointment, the nutritionist weighed me, asked when I ate my three meals a day, what I typically ate as well as any Snacks. She then went over a suggested meal plan and set my caloric intake for the remaining visits (1600 calories). She also went through portion sizes and how many servings of each food group I could have. She also asked about any exercising I was doing. She filled out a form that detailed what we discussed and set goals for the next visit (eliminate soft drinks, stop drinking during meals, practice chewing, etc.) More than likely you'll need to make sure your visits are no closer than 30 days apart to count so be careful about that.

Good luck!

I was given hand-outs recommending low carbs, 80 grams of Protein, 64 ounces of Water a day, 30 minutes of exercise 3 - 4 times a week, recommended signing up for something like myfitnesspal.com and I had to bring my food, exercise and water log with me to each of the 6 monthly appointments.

I was told I needed to attend one of their "WLS - Is it right for me" seminars, I had to attend one group meeting. I had to meet with their psychiatrist, which gave me a tested exam and then I had to go to a follow-up to discuss the results. I met with a nutritionist. At about 5 months I again met with a nutritionist and their nurse. At 6 months I had my last meeting with their doctor. Then scheduled a meeting with the surgeon. They finally put everything through to the insurance. Once it was approved, I had to attend two - 2 hour meetings with a nutritionist to go over the surgery one more time, including getting my boxes of New Direction Pre-op shake mix, the clears, full liquids, pureed, soft and regular were explained. The hospital was explained. The Drain was explained. I was sent for more blood work and an upper gi. I recently had an ekg so I didn't need another one, I had a colonoscopy within the past two years, didn't need that. I then needed to go have more blood work and an H-Pylori test (during the 2 week pre-op shake phase). A week before surgery I met again with a nurse who measured me once again and weighed me and we went over my prescriptions so she could have the prescriptions ordered for me and ready to go after surgery. I was told to go off all my Vitamins and most of my medications including my much needed plaquenil. I did fine for a week without it.

This is through healthy4life out of St. Mary's / Community in Indiana

I honestly cried when I found out I would have to do the 6 month pre-approval phase and I dreaded the seminar/group meeting, I wanted this done and over with. I know now, that this worked out best for me. It got me in the right frame of mind, and it allowed me to gradually go into this decision knowing this was what was best for me. I lost 70 pounds pre-surgery and knowing I put in 100% makes me proud.

Thank you all for the information. I'm completing the 3 month progran just in case this is what the insurance wants. Their verbage is vague and doesnt specify a timeframe.