Well, long story short. I started my diet in October. I also started Lexapro in October. As of yesterday, I have officially gained 20 pounds since October. Anyone see a connection?? Unfortunately, I cannot even credit the Lexapro with making me feel better as it is not...I am SO depressed right now. Is it even possible insurance will think about approving me with weight gain on the 6-month supervised diet???

:scared2:

I quit smoking and gained about 15 lbs. during my 6 months of dr.s visits for insurance approval. I called the clinic during the 3rd month and told them I was gaining, not loosing. They said all the insurance wanted was 6 consecutive visits and my Dr.'s notes that we discussed weight and diet. Maybe yours is the same ?

(I have been approved & scheduled for April 30th).

Hi there! I also am going through my 6 month weight loss program. I started in November and had gained 12 lbs thru February (long story short.... I'm an emotional eater and during that time I was away from home on the holidays, mom had surgery, and I bought a house... all during my first year of marriage! Perfect recipe for an emotional eater, huh? LOL). Anyway... I was very worried about the whole insurance thing, and I've been told that the insurance companies look at your initial weight and check to ensure you've weight in atleast once a month. Well, being discouraged, I asked my PCP if there was anything to help with a kickstart to my weight loss. She wrote a prescription for one month of Phentremine, which is an appetite suppressant. I have been taking it for 3 weeks and have lost all 12 lbs. It really seems to help, but your Dr. will need to make sure it's ok for you to take. It makes most people's blood pressure go up, so if you already have high blood pressure you probably want to go a different route. Luckily, my blood pressure has always been low and the medicine hasn't affected it.

You can also try practicing/preparing for the pre-op/post-op diets. Meaning, try eating slower, taking small bites, drinking Protein shakes (or atleast purchase samples to prepare yourself). You can also start putting your food on a small plate, then cut your portion in half. Only eat the first half, and then really examine if you are still hungry, or if you just want to eat the rest because it's there. This has helped me tremendously. Lastly, wait until you are truly hungry before you eat. You may already do that, but I never let myself get hungry before; it was as though I was scared to feel hunger of something (weird I know!). Now, unless I feel hunger "pains," or feel my stomach growling, I don't eat. I drink tons of Water and have given up all sodas (even diet). FYI: there are these little powder packets of South Beach "Tide me over," that have a little protein in them and you put them in water... HIGHLY recommend them! They're yummy... and they really do tide you over! :scared2:

Sorry for the long response, but I've always learned from people's experiences on here, and now that I'm finally having some of my own, I want to pay it forward! Good Luck... please feel free to PM me if you need anything, even if you just need a word of encouragement!

I appreciate both of your responses. This whole hoops thing is starting to get to me, as well as needing an antidepressant that actually WORKS. *sigh* :scared2:

I was just hoping someone out there who already has the LB would indicate if they gained weight during the 6-month period and if it affected their ability to be approved.

Thanks again!

missy ask your doctor if Wellbutrin would work for you. I know it does wonders for all kinds of cravings and might help with both the depression and any food cravings you might have. I went to a doctor once who gave it to aid weight loss....which worked great for me except I am already a bit manic and I was super manic......to the point of obnoxiousness so anti-depressants only work for me during the dark and dreary months......in the Spring and Summer people want to shoot me with a tranquilizer dart. You might see what the doctor thinks