Anyone else have to do the 6 month pre-op diet because of insurance purposes, what did that include and how did you or how are you getting through it?

I did. BCBS of MN requires 6 months of dietitian/nutritionist appointments, a psychological eval and some exercise phys appointments in order to be approved thru insurance. Basically I had to log my food - I used MFP (My Fitness Pal) and just tried to apply some of the rules for after surgery - high Protein, chewing extremely well, fork down between bites, 30/30 rule, start taking Calcium and multi-Vitamins, incorporating exercise in my daily routine. It wasn't a big deal. 6 months FLEW by.

I have United Healthcare Choice Plus (Railroad). I'm doing the 6 month supervised diet currently. I've had 3 appointments so far, and I'm seeing the surgeon for this (they didn't want to risk my insurance not approving because I saw the nurse practitioner or someone else... also my insurance doesn't cover nutritionist). At very visit they have taken my height, weight and vital signs and then we talk about the previous month and how I felt I did, if i struggled with anything. I'm not required to lose an amount, just show I'm trying, I've lost 7lbs so far but that wasn't trying too hard. Then at the end he gives me goals or things to think about for the next month. We always focus on three topics, nutrition, behavior and exercise. Nutrition topics have been Protein, fruits and veg, behaviors like paying attention to how fast I eat, drinking Water, meal planning/food diary, and exercise is always the same, at least 30 mins three times a week.

To get through it... just one step at a time, day by day. It honestly does go faster then you think.

Edited June 9, 201511 yr by TristanNicole

I had a list of items my surgeon required before they would submit to insurance.

- Cardiologist clearance - had several tests my cardiologist ordered before clearance - EKG, Echo cardiogram, Calcium Score & sleep study.

- 2 psychiatric sessions

- 5 year weight records

- 1 group session

- Six appointments with NUT and NP (as required by insurance)

I had my last appointment - May 19. Right now I'm just waiting for insurance approval. It was submitted to insurance on May 26, and received on May 28. This waiting period is insane! I was hoping I'd hear something back by now!!