Next week I have my first appt with the Bariatric Dr. I know to be considered for the Lap Band I need to go through a 6 month physician monitored diet for both my insurance and the practice (lehigh Valley PA0. I was just wondering what kind of diiet they usually recommend and do they prescribe meds or anything along those lines. I was just wondering what everyone's experience was.

Hi Moxi,

I had to follow a six month physcian supervised diet and exercise program for insurance qualifications also. Because part of the Bariatric Center's requirements were to see the nutritionist, I got advice from her and my doctor noted that I was reducing calories and carbs along with exercise. I pretty much saw the nutritionist monthly along with my PCP. My doctor did not put me on diet pills as I had a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) years ago and she didn't recommend diet pills.

I had to be weighed in once a month for Cigna Insurance requirements, there was no weight loss requirement for Cigna, and my surgeons only rule was I wasnt allowed to gain any weight, I ended up only taking off 3 pounds.. So it really depends on your insurance requirements (which you can research to make sure) some want a 10% weight loss. My nurse did RX phentremin (Wrong spelling !) but I didnt take them. Good luck either way,and theres plenty of people on here to help you..!!!

My insurance required a 6 month plan as well. (BCBS). i thought it was bull at first but it was really helpful. i was told they do that so to prepare you for the changes to come. For me , i have learned to eat slower and take smaller bites as you would with the band. through ou the six months, my nutriionst weaned me off carbs. so pretty much i was put on the atkins diet.. it was been a slow process. but in 5 months i am 29 lbs lighter!! Good luck to you.!!!

I know that for a lot of insurance companies they have to have a 6 month diet plan, you don't have to lose weight, but they just want to see if you can do it on your own. I know it's a requirement for CIGNA (I'm a claim adjuster). They really just need to put you on a restricted diet and exercise to make the insurance company happy.

I had BCBS and I just went tom my PCP for six month. She weighed me and set a new goal each month. I only lost weight one month. We both knew that it was just a formality. I then went to the dietician which was a joke. She asked what have you tried I gave her the long list of diets over the year and she said looks like you have tried every thing. 7 minutes later I was on the way home $35 less in my pocket. Went to the psch consult and it ended up costing a lot more around $80 because it falls under something other than the regualar co pay. Had to do a long drawn out interview and a written test. Turned it all in and with the dr. statement and was approved 2 days later. Process really took about a 2 years because that is when I first attended the seminar. I knew I wanted it then and what the requirements were, but I tried for a year to lose it on my own (not wanting to admit I couldn't) before I started my supervised diet.