Going through Dr. Kia in Flint, Michigan. Did my 6 weigh ins and consistently lost 1-2 lbs every month. In December was put on Depakote and began to gain weight. Was just denied due to the gain and even worse was told none of my weigh ins count and I’m starting over. I’m devastated. Going to appeal. Anyone have advice? Mclaren Health Plan.

Did you speak to the dr that put you in the medication? Is a common side effect of that medication weight gain?

that really sucks and it’s very disheartening. I would definitely appeal that decision

Weight gain is a really common side effect of depakote! Let your prescribing doctor know that you are working towards weight loss surgery, and ask them to prescribe a medication with less likelihood of weight gain-there are definitely other options. I’m a psych nurse, we use depakote sometimes for a mood stabilizer and it also used to treat seizure disorders. Either way, there are other options that your doctor should be willing to prescribe.

That sucks... I have bipolar disorder and I gained 100 lbs in two years when I first started on meds when I was 14. Most of the bipolar meds cause weight gain. It's going to be hard for your doc to find one that doesn't! And insurance is always looking for a way to deny coverage anyway (seriously - I studied this in graduate school). I would wait until your meds are stable before trying again. Once you've been on a particular medication for a while your weight gain usually stops as long as you focus really hard. Plus, you want your mental health to be really stable before undergoing this process. I was told I had to get my psychiatrist to approve me since I have bipolar. I hope it works for you!

I am so sorry this is happening to you. Prayers that you can figure it out soon and in the best way for you! ❤️

Sorry you've have to deal with the insurance co. I have been on Depakote for over 40 years for seizures. I have tried numerous other meds to control which didn't work. Insurance didn't care - they denied me and denied my appeal, even with 7 physician letters. I determined that this surgery was my last chance and scraped and borrowed to pay for it. I have SelectHealth and no one has been able to tell me how to get them to listen and understand how critical this surgery may be for people who have no choice but to take depakote for a normal life.

I’m waiting to hear back from my doctors office. Friday I called my insurance company to ask questions and they had no idea what I was talking about. They have no record of anything being submitted for surgery. Wtf? And I don’t understand. Why make you jump through hoops. If I could lose and keep it off I wouldn’t ask for surgery. I’ve had 2 weight losses over 100 pounds, used to work out like crazy. I just can’t seem to keep it off. It’s not fair. I’m tired of being fat.

What’s really messed up is my insurance has no record of anything being submitted for surgery. I called to ask about the denial and they didn’t know what I was taking about. I’ve emailed and voicemails the insurance lady at bariatric and can’t get a response.

I would ask your prescribing doctor to write something saying you are on rx that causes weight gain and give that to insurance with other appeal paperwork.

Are you limited to the McLaren network? If not, I recommend Dr. Stalin- he is part of the Ascension network. He used to split his time between Genesys and St. Mary's (Saginaw), but since COVID, he has consolidated down to just one office- in Saginaw.

When I went to a group informational appointment (pre-COVID), I met people who were getting a revision with him- from both Hurley and McLaren. From what I gathered, the program his office has set up is the best in the area.