Hey guys...

I haven't been on here for awhile but I do have a question...

My insurance company requires a 6 month physician monitored weight loss program before surgery, which I am doing right now. I'm curious to see who all had to do this. I'm scared to lose weight and try b/c the insurance company may come back stating I can lose weight on my own. My problem isn't necessary losing the weight, but keeping it off and gaining more than I originally started with. I would love to lose weight and become healthy... my PCP also recommended Phentramine (SP?) to assist with weight loss b/c my blood pressure is actually really good. This would be a temporary, kick-off, type deal.

Any comments, suggestions, opinions? Thanks guys!

HI mrsgriffin2u, I, too, started off on a 6 month weight loss program and found out 2 months into it that BCBS dropped the requirements. THe Dr I used for my 6 month program (through the Bariatric Center) said that there is only an issue with weight loss if you are a 40 BMI. If you have a higher BMI then don't worry about it. Good luck!

I had to do the 6 month supervised diet too. I lost 20 lbs before surgery. Don't worry about losing weight prior to surgery, the docs submit to the insurance company your starting weight. That is the weight they consider your surgery. Showing you are serious and losing a few pounds will help you, besides making your surgery a bit safer as it will help to shrink your liver. My nutrionist had me on adipex for weight loss. It helped to curb my appetite.

I did a 6 month supervised diet and wieght loss wasn't the entire goal of the program. They mainly focused on getting me to change my attitude with food and to start getting rid of things like sodas and fast food. I only lost 6 pounds during that time, but they approved me to go onto the next stage. Afterwards I was told that the program was really set up so those who weren't really serious about the WLS would bail out or be impatient. I don't know if that is true, but I know that my journey started way before I said hello to the surgeon and I am glad to have had that 6 month period of internalizing the upcoming changes and taking it step by step.

I just finished my 4 months required monitored program. I only lost 8 pounds in the process. They only turn in your starting weight, at least that was my experience. I got approved for surgery one week of them submitting it to my insurance and I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 14! I'm on my second day of the proten shakes. So far so good.

I was told they look at the starting weight too.

I think I gained 8lbs in the first few months and then lost 10lbs right at the end.

Thanks guys! That really helps...

To be honest I think I've gained 5 pounds from the stress. Mentally I need to get over food! I didn't want to lose if it would keep me from the surgery so I think I over-ate again! STUPID!

I've weighed in every month as I should and speak to the Dr. about my diet. Luckily, my PCP is the best!

Good luck with your bands!

Thankfully I don't have a weight loss requirement, but I do have to submit a food diary for 3 days or some such. I have to go back and look at the paperwork. It is either 3 days or 3 weeks. They do say they want you to lose 10lbs before surgery, but its not 'required'.

Mine required a year of phd support and a 10% weight loss before they would approve. I got there, but had to take up a very bad habit for 15 days to get there! (ate 600 cals a day to drop 9 pounds) Not recommended!! Now the doc is asking me to lose 1 pound a week. I told him he was nuts!! I'm lucky if I can lose 1 pound a month at a 1000 cal/day diet!!