It seems like so many people have gotten the band without all of this.

My insurance company says they require it...

I would love to hear what really goes on here...I had a friend who applied for the procedure and had it done within 2 months. Clearly she didn't have the 6 months diet program.

Any words of advice?

It depends on the insurance you have. If the coverage criteria states that's required then you have to follow those requirements. Some insurance companies have other mandates and stipulations that need to be followed. Mine for example if you have a bmi of 35-39 you have to have it documented for 2 years plus have related medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc for them to cover the procedure.

Yes, when I attended the seminar in March, 2007 the first thing I was told was that UPMC insurance required 6 visits with a nutritionist. So I complied--which we HAVE to do!

It worked out to be a blessing in disguise, jilly, because my tests took up two months of the time anyway and it really gave me time to read everything I could find about the surgery and what my life would be afterwards.

That's what I advise you to do also--this is a major decision in our lives and we need to adjust to the Band's "rules". Please learn everything you can...

(BTW--my Nutritionist was worthless--she had me log my food intake for five visits, concentrating on calories and Protein intake and each month said "okay, cut back 100 calories". And she knew NOTHING when I questioned her about the supplements we must take after surgery--so I just went through the motions with her to make my insurer happy)

Yes, when I attended the seminar in March, 2007 the first thing I was told was that UPMC insurance required 6 visits with a nutritionist. So I complied--which we HAVE to do!

It worked out to be a blessing in disguise, jilly, because my tests took up two months of the time anyway and it really gave me time to read everything I could find about the surgery and what my life would be afterwards.

That's what I advise you to do also--this is a major decision in our lives and we need to adjust to the Band's "rules". Please learn everything you can...

(BTW--my Nutritionist was worthless--she had me log my food intake for five visits, concentrating on calories and Protein intake and each month said "okay, cut back 100 calories". And she knew NOTHING when I questioned her about the supplements we must take after surgery--so I just went through the motions with her to make my insurer happy)

That's very interesting, thank you. Do you have to actually lose any weight during that time? A friend said that they want to make sure that your body is able to lose weight...

And what if my BMI gets lower than the 40 requirement? Will they still cover me?

I hate all of these questions!

Actually, what I understand they want to determine is whether your body WILL LOSE weight from whatever diet the nutritionist (or doctor) subjects you to. (My thinking is that if they find that you can lose a lot of weight normally in six months, surgery won't be necessary).

I once read that an obese person cannot lose more than 20% of their body weight normally through dieting, due to the fact that our fat cells have fat cells! I'm sure you've gone through the weight loss/gain syndromes many times.

As far as BMI is concerned, I began with a BMI of 41 and too was worried, but ended up with 39 and still got surgery.

I had to go through all the testing (pulmonary, cardiology, gallbladder, scope, psychiatric) AND I had to have my Primary Care Physician write a letter stating they recommended me for surgery.

After the six visits to the Nutritionist (which is only FIVE months when you think about it, jilly) my Bariatric Center had to request an approval from the insurance company and I was afraid I'd be turned down--but two weeks later I was approved! Then I had to see the surgeon and schedule surgery, which took about a month.

From March's seminar, it was seven months until surgery October 9th--but honestly, it flew by!! Trust me...

Hi Jilly,

My insurance required 6 months supervised diet. I was so upset when I first found out. So instead of being angry, I decided to use this time to find out any and everything I needed about the lap band system. When I met with my surgeon, he was amazed that I was so knowledgable about the tool. I went to a support group meeting beause it was required. The RN (consultant) that lead the support group was fantastic. She had bariatric surgery also. The information she shared with the group and the group welcomed me like they knew me all alone. I felt right at home. I ended up attending another support meeting and meet again with sue a week before my surgery. After my surgery on Oct 30, 2007, the RN came in to visit my husband and me. She asked if I had walked. I had not at the time. She stressed to me to get the walking in. She went and got me a pop sicle. She took good care of me and I was up and walking 30 mins later. I stayed in the hospital overnight. I have not had a gas pain or any other pain since I left the hospital. I went back to work on Tuesday of this week. I feel so great. I am up and moving. I am a busy lady. One thing the consultant said is that some insurance companies require the 6 month monitoring is to see how you deal with restricitions. I said I was not going to try to lose any weight because if I could lose weight I would not need the band. Well that was a silly thought. I loss 38 lbs during the 6 months. I loss another 10 pounds during 2 week pre op. I've loss 9 pounds since my surgery. (total of 57 lbs.)

What if I hadn't tried during the 6 mons? I feel so much better.

Almost 60 lbs lighter. You've found one of the most supportive website here on lap band talk forum. You'll learn a lot from people here and they are geniuely concern.

I read a book that really helped me make my mind up regarding the lap band. FIGHTING WEIGHT by Khalia Ali. (Muhammad Ali's daughter) If you like to read this will hold your interest.

Please check it out.

I wish you much success during your journey. If you have any questions about anything please don't hesitate to ask.

Actually, what I understand they want to determine is whether your body WILL LOSE weight from whatever diet the nutritionist (or doctor) subjects you to. (My thinking is that if they find that you can lose a lot of weight normally in six months, surgery won't be necessary).

I once read that an obese person cannot lose more than 20% of their body weight normally through dieting, due to the fact that our fat cells have fat cells! I'm sure you've gone through the weight loss/gain syndromes many times.

As far as BMI is concerned, I began with a BMI of 41 and too was worried, but ended up with 39 and still got surgery.

I had to go through all the testing (pulmonary, cardiology, gallbladder, scope, psychiatric) AND I had to have my Primary Care Physician write a letter stating they recommended me for surgery.

After the six visits to the Nutritionist (which is only FIVE months when you think about it, jilly) my Bariatric Center had to request an approval from the insurance company and I was afraid I'd be turned down--but two weeks later I was approved! Then I had to see the surgeon and schedule surgery, which took about a month.

From March's seminar, it was seven months until surgery October 9th--but honestly, it flew by!! Trust me...

I really appreciate your advice. THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much to everyone...

I once read that an obese person cannot lose more than 20% of their body weight normally through dieting, due to the fact that our fat cells have fat cells!

I dont know about this, my last diet, pre-banding, i dropped from 151kg to 98Kg in 7 months. Course then I put it back on along with another 20Kg over the next 2 years.

My surgeon told me that those who have an ability to lose weight, even temporarily are more likely to have excellent success with the band.

i too have upmc insurance. it is worth the wait because it is giving me the time to do all the research. but it does get frustrating. having to jump thru the hoops of insurance but .... they are paying for it. hang in there the time will fly by

My area hospital also required a 6 month "training" period. I have gone elsewhere - don't want to wait - I'm old enough!

Just hoping my insurance will ok it without a waiting period.

At lot of people might allready have the 6 months and not relaize it. We had to have five years worth of data and when I got it all put together I saw a pattern where I had gone to the doctor once a month for 6 months. We had no problem getting approved.

Chris

I had to do the 6 month supervised "diet". Because I just qualified with the 41 BMI, I questioned my doctor about what would happen if i did well and lost weight during the 6 months. He said I probably wouldn't qualify. So I didn't lose weight.. I maintained my weight. The time actually went by quickly. We resubmitted everything to the insurance and I was approved, no questions asked. I hope it goes as smoothly for you.

I had to do the 6 months. All they did was wiegh me though, they didn't "teach" me anything. At the end of my six months they told me they just implemented a 6 month diet plan to boot. I got out of that and had my first appointment with the surgeon in July. I am two months into my liquid diet and have lost 36 pounds.

I know a lot of people say they want the surgery quick and yes it can be frustrating, but I have used the time to get my head on straight. I have a better relationship with food and am mentally ready for the sugery. I think I would have gotten to where I am at eventually even without the waiting, but I feel better having taken the time to get ready.

You might be ready though. You might have it all together, but in the end you have to do what the insurance company says. The Docs won't override them.

Good luck and I hope all goes well with your surgery.

I had 6 months of insurance company mandated (but not paid for by them) nutrition counseling too. I lost 40 lbs doing that. I was worried they would say that if I could loose weight that way, I would not need the band. To the contrary, they told me that meant I was able to follow doctor's instructions...the good news....my case was submitted on 10/12 and authorized on 10/12