How does the blue cross blue sheild 6 mo supervised diet work? Do you have to go see the doctor and get it started? What if I don't have the insurance yet, can I start it some how?

I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of NJ. You have to have 6 consecutive monthly doctor visits with weigh ins, modifications, caloric intake, etc. (Your drs office should give you the requirements, mine did). I went to my 1st seminar in February on the Lap Band, made my 1st doctors appointment for the next week and I only have 2 more to go, June & July. My surgery is August 1st.

Good luck!! :thumbup:

Just a question, how did you get your surgery date before you finished the 6 month diet, and have they pre-qualed you. I thought once you finish the diet, then apply to insurance, then they approve, then you get a surgery date?

I got my surgery date on my 1st visit to the surgeon. I was given a list of the requirements to fulfill before the surgery date (Nutritionist, Psych eval, etc) and the only things i need now are my last 2 monthly visits. The day of my last doctors appointment is the day I'll do my pre-op testing (blood test, chest x-ray & EKG). Keep me posted & let me know if you need any more info.

:thumbup:

Does all BCBS members have to do the 6 month diet? I thought I'd seen some on here that didn't mention that?

I have BCBS of NC.

I was told by my surgeon's office that as of January 15th, BC/BS changed their requirements and the 6 month diet is mandatory. I live in Nj, but I'm assuming that it allpiles to all states. Call you surgeons office for more details.

I have BCBS of NJ and started my 6 month diet and monthly visits to my PCP before I even pick who the surgeon that I wanted to do my band. I knew it was required so I started as soon as I could so that when I finally picked my band doctor I would be a little ahead of the game. It worked out well for me - I had my first visit with my surgeon on 10/19 and had my surgery on 11/6

I have BCBS of Georgia and had no 6 month diet requirement. I don't see why you couldn't go ahead and start it though. The only way it might not be advisable is if you are so close on the BMI range that you could possibly go below 40 (if you have no comorbidities) before seeing your surgeon.