I've heard that several insurance companies require evidence of 6 months or so on a medically supervised diet. Other than it meaning that one must go to the doctor, what exactly does that mean? For example, is 4 visits to my family pracitioner over 6 months sufficient? What about 2? I went to my doctor in August and discussed my weight and he presribed me wellbutrin to try for weightloss (I never fill the prescription after reading the side effects). Would that mean I'm "on the clock" towards six months?

Thanks!

Bob

My insurance company describes medically supervised as a weight loss plan overseen by a physician with "periodic weigh ins"

and including medications if appropriate. I have blue cross and at least in michigan they will very soon be requiring 3 consequetive years of medically supervised weight loss plan. Also my physician stated blue cross is planning on not covering the lap band as it has overall less of a success rate. I would schedule an appt. with your Drs. office and get weighed in and that should prove you are trying a medically supervised plan. I'm not sure about the not filling the rx. part though.

My plan (Cigna) requires 2 periods of "professionally" supervised diets with monthly weigh ins. Each one had to last 26 weeks.

Now who here has stayed on a diet for six months???!!

Insurers in general seem to be creating an environment where it will truly be impossible for many people who desperately need it to get the surgery.

Sadly, it's all about profit margins.

Elizabeth

8/28/03