I have finally decided that the LapBand is my last option. But my PCP states that I still have to do a 6 month Physician supervised diet before insurance will even consider it. These are going to be the longest 6 months of my life. I only fear that even after I get through the 6 months my insurance is going to deny it since I am only a BMI of 40 and have no co-mobity problems.

my insurance also made me do six months of doctor supervised dieting. That was back in October, I am happy to say that my last appointment is March 6. However in those six months I went about with all my other testing. It can take a while to get appointments at some of the specialists. Before you know those six months are over. Hang in there its really not that far off.

I too had to have to do a 6 month supervised diet. March 3rd will be my 6th weigh-in and my paperwork will be sent in for approval. Do not miss any of the 6 appointments or you will have to start over. The bariatric doctor wanted us to lose 20 pounds during this time. I have lost 22 and am happy that I have. They use the BMI from the 1st visit. Good luck with your journey!

Rottimom,

I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I went to my first appointment and found out that I had to wait 6 more months of supervised weight loss. I got approved with a BMI of 40 and no co-morbidities. But let tell you I thought ok only six months and that is it... it has taken a year... the first few months I was really anxious and frustrated because I though I was ready... I had made my decision so long ago.... But now as I only wait for 23 more days to my surgery I realized that I am glad I had that extra time, it allowed me to prepare myself mentaly and emotionally for the biggest change of my life. I am really ready to let the weight come off and let my tru self come out and see the world....

Hopefully all you paperwork and all wont take long... but hang in there I try to beleive that everything happens for a reason and whent they are supposed to happen. During the 6 month supprervised monitoring with my PCP I was a yo-yo gain 5 pounds one month, lost 3, gained, lost... until it was over...

Good luck!

Giselle

I didn't go through my PCP. I called my insurace which is UHC and asked what my requirements were. I found a surgeon and made an appt. with him. With my BMI being 43 I don't have to do any diet or anything. People below 40 usually have to, but 40 and higher it is not required. I would call the insurance co and see if you have to. People with BMI's of 40 or more are usually cut a little slack.

I was also someone who had to go through a 6 month physican supervised diet. My BMI was 40 and I no real co-morbities. However, I noticed that sometimes my knee and back would hurt a lot. So I went to a Orth and had them document that and that it was due to my weight. I waited out my 6 months which just about killed me to have to wait through. Did my physc. visit and met with my nutrionist and after 6 month submitted everything I had. (I also kept a monthly journel of my starting weight that month, my exercise program and a general "what diet I was trying that month" description) I sent everything to the insurance company and got DENIED. So then I decided to write my own appeal. I pretty much did everything but beg. It must have been a good letter because two weeks later I was approved. I had surgery 3 weeks later and now I am 2 1/2 months post-op and down 38 pounds. This was the best decision that I have ever made. Just document everything and be a total pest to your insurance company and your doctors including the surgeons office. I promise if you keep on them and you document like crazy you are going have the best chance of being approved. Good luck and keep us updated!

On September 17,2007 I went for consultation at Barix Clinics(275 lbs.) Because I was self pay I didn't have to go through doc supervised program. I did tell them at consult about previous weight loss attempts.When, how ,why,and any progress with them?. My BMI at the time was 42. Other than that I was healthy. They said the only thing stopping me from doing it within a week or two was that I needed a sleep study done ,because I snored. I found out I had sleep apnea.That put surgery off for 6 weeks. I finally got around to surgery on December 26, 2007. Between the consult 9/17 and the surgery 12/26, I got down to 248 lbs.(lost 27 lbs.). It hasn't been 6 months since consult and I am down to 230( lost 45 lbs.)Just try and be patient, or you can always do it the self pay way. The surgery is a tax write off.By the time I write it off, I am paying less for my new life than some people pay for a new car. Good luck with the wait. I don't know where you are from, but Barix Clinics has 4 locations .Give them a call.

My insurance required a 6 month waiting period combined with all sorts of pre-op testing and once a month dietary meetings. I lost over 20 pounds but they said that didn't matter because they keep your starting weight as their figure for the requirement for the surgery. I don't think that all of us lost weight, but the ones who were in trouble were the ones who gained weight during that 6 months. Their surgeries were post-poned. I, too, was disappointed when I learned there was so much preliminary work. I had no idea. I thought once I made up my mind -- and my PCP agreed to support my decision -- that was it. I've looked online since at several insurance plans and the ones that will pay for the surgery require the 6 months. It really is a good idea, believe it or not. I learned an awful lot in the 6 months. And I'm learning even more on this website! Thanks everyone.