Hello. I'm new to the boards and wanted to say hello.

I also had some questions about anyone that had to do or is doing a medically supervised diet.

My insurance will cover the surgery if I complete their WL program that is similar to Nutrisystem but with weekly Dr visits and counseling sessions. The problem is that I have a $30 per visit copay and the food alone is $100 per WEEK. That's $130 per week just for my food alone, not to mention the other 3 people in my house who need to eat other things.

Now I'm scared. Scared because I can't afford $520 per month just for me to eat, and that doesn't even include fruit, veggies or dairy. For 6 months!!!!!

They say that any other programs have to go thru the approval process but won't tell me what programs qualify, so now I have to send in countless letters with Dr info to see if they will take my Weight Watchers and medicine regime from the last 4 months.

So really, im looking for advice from anyone that may have gone thru this. Thank you

Edited October 31, 200817 yr by STLMom2006

What insurance do you have? I have BCBS IL. I too had to do the 6 month diet/exercise plan. For mine, I had to see my Primary Care Physician monthly and follow some type of diet and exercise plan. I did Weight Watchers online and also did the monthly visit with my PCP. I was approved after 6 visits with my PCP and had my surgery a week later.

Most insurance companies won't except just WW, but WW combined with monthly visits with your dietician or PCP, but I am sure some insurance company out there does. That does sound like a big time commitment and money commitment too. I would try to find some type of plan that would satisfy that requirement, maybe doing WW and meeting with your dietician, even if that does have to be weekly, at least you wouldn't be spending the extra money on food only you can eat. BUT, I would make sure to get that in writting from your ins company if they say somethign else would work. Have you personally looked at your ins companies policies and procedures?

Good luck. BTW, which surgeon are you planning to use? I am in the STL area too. My Dr is Van Wagner.

Take care

I had BCBS of AL PPO and had to do the 6 month supervised diet. I was told I could do Weight Watchers. I went to the meetings, I also went to see my Primary doctor once a month to weigh in and have him document my weight and that I was walking and doing Weight Watchers. I was frustrated to have to do this but in hind sight I learned a lot along the way and got rid of some bad habits (diet coke) before getting my band.

Deb

Banded 6/27/08