ct insurance // saga

hi everyone...

my name is dani and i'm new here.  i'm in the process of all the steps, leaning towards gastric bypass surgery.  im wondering if anyone has been able to not go through the 6 months of supervised dietician, especially when medically proven?  will be talking to my insurance and hopefully center of excellence tomorrow, but was hoping one of you may know more answers.  any reply would be greatly appreciated!

 Hi Dani,

 I had GBPS in April 2006. I did not have to go through a 6 month supervised diet. I did have to provide documentation of past attempts at weight loss along with medical history. The whole process for me took many months and along the way I started on my own to incorporate some of the eating suggestions and habits that would be neccessary after GBPS.

I would be sure you are clear what your insurance company requires before you begin and also what your surgeon requires. I believe that most are requireing the 6 month diet.

What ever you have to do presurgery will only help you along your WLS journey and help prepare you for your new post surgery lifestyle. 

WLS is not a quick fix, it is a tool to assist you with weightloss. It is major surgery, so all the testing and classes required  before surgery play an  important part in having a safe surgery and a successful postoperative experience.

I wish you all the best along your WLS journey.

Sher

Most insurance companies instituted a "mandatory 6 mos dietary supervison" in the year 2006-07.  I had my RNY in 05 and didn't have to do it.  It's just something they wanted to do to make sure that all the patients were truly ready and sure that they wanted this life changing surgery.

Six months may seem like a long time for you right now, but, in the long run, you will be able to get on the weight loss program ordered by your surgeon, it will get your liver in the proper health for surgery, it will also get your lungs and body ready for a big general surgery needing anesthesia, etc.  It's not something to take lightly.  You'll also be able to read about and attend lots of support groups so that you can have a lot of insight into what you will be dealing with after surgery.

I wish you luck, but don't fret so much on the 6 mos stuff.  Have you checked with your ins co?  Some may not require th 6 mos.  It depends.

paula

I have Aetna and I know that I had to be in the program for 6 months. That was from the time Dr. A said he would take me as a patient.

My sister has Saga and she did not have to do a 6 month supervised. Actually the process went rather quickly, she was on top of her game and made every appointment in a timely manner. She started the process in Nov 08 and had Lap RNY ON Feb 24, 2009 with Dr. Raftopoulis in Hartford. Good Luck!!