What if I 'Pre Diet' Myself out of Qualification?

[Jameskc 0]

I am a 35 bmi with several comorbids. I am afraid that the required 6 month diet will result in a lower bmi and knock out my chances of qualifying for the band. Any thoughts?

[88KEYZ 0]

I would look at the positive and if the prediet works that good, stay on it and you won't need the lapband. For me my thyroid kept any diet from working properly, so lapband was the only choice and it is working great. Hang in there, be positive and just work on a life change.

[Apples2 19]

I am a 35 bmi with several comorbids. I am afraid that the required 6 month diet will result in a lower bmi and knock out my chances of qualifying for the band. Any thoughts?

I was just barely 40 BMI with some comorbidities. Every ins. company is different but mine took my beginning BMI and weight. I was required to do the six month diet also. My surgeon encouraged weight loss and my ins. company also encouraged it during that time period. I had not trouble getting approved. Just a couple of days.

Jump through the hoops...do what is required of you. The six months actually gives you time to wrap your head around the life change after banding. Do as much research as you can during that time. By the time your surgery date comes, you will have a clear understanding of what you are in for. Good luck and take care.

[Jameskc 0]

I would look at the positive and if the prediet works that good, stay on it and you won't need the lapband. For me my thyroid kept any diet from working properly, so lapband was the only choice and it is working great. Hang in there, be positive and just work on a life change.

Thanks, but I want the band. I have lost the same 40 pounds over and over and over again.

[Froggi 4]

I would call the insurance and ask if they use the weight and BMI from before you started the 6 month diet as well.

[sistasassy 6]

I had wondered about that as well. My BMI is just barely 40 and MUST be 40 or above for the doc and the hospital to accept me. Was afraid that a pre-diet would knock me out of the running but know that the weight will just come right back on. That is one of the questions I am going to ask my doc when I see him Wednesday just to get it clarified for sure.

[Froggi 4]

I had wondered about that as well. My BMI is just barely 40 and MUST be 40 or above for the doc and the hospital to accept me. Was afraid that a pre-diet would knock me out of the running but know that the weight will just come right back on. That is one of the questions I am going to ask my doc when I see him Wednesday just to get it clarified for sure.

Make sure to ask your insurance too. :crying: Good luck.

[Cleach 0]

I have had friends that had to gain weight in order to qualify for the WLS. it was either that or their insurance would not pay. some time desperate times call for desperate measures. and face it we are all good at gaining weight

[sistasassy 6]

My insurance will cover a BMI of 35 with comorbidities, which I have, but the doc and the hospital are firm at 40. For the first time ever I am afraid to burn a calorie. Still attempting to be healthy anyway though. Sigh....such a maze to get through. :crying:

[JRT Mom 920]

I was borderline of the weight issue-I have a bmi of 40 with comorbidities, but my insurance requires you also to be at least 100 lbs overweight. I was borderline on the weight, but once you get weighed at the office and that weight recorded they don't care if you lose weight--actually they encourage it. I would check with your surgeon and see if the same holds true for you. Good luck!

[Jachut 487]

I *think* once you're approved at 35, then you're fine to go on and lose weight. I'd check that carefully though.

I agree, the band is a better solution long term. So what if you lose tons on the prediet - how many times have you lost weight before only to regain it? I would be worried about the exact issue you are - to the point where I'd make SURE I didnt lose weight.

[sistasassy 6]

That would be awesome to be able to start losing weight before all the pre-op stuff and after the initial weigh. I have no trouble dropping 20 pounds or so. It is the keeping it off that I have had trouble with.

[Froggi 4]

I've been on my 6 month for 3 weeks now and have already lost 8.5 pounds probably more but I can't weigh myself until my next appt June 4th lol. I can't wait until I can buy a scale that can actually weigh me!

Edited May 22, 2008 by froggi1985
I am dumb.