Emanuele LoMenzo/TEAM

If anyone has had a surgeon from this team at UMMC......Do they make you go on that 6 month diet no matter what or does it depend on your insurance...


Last year when I had BC/BS they told me I would have to go on one. Now I have UHC and they don't require that. all that they want is a case setup by my PCP for approval.


HELP!

It depends on your insurance. I had bc/bs and I had to do the 6 month nutrition class. There are only a few insurance co. that don't require it. Good luck Dr. Lomenzo is awsome.

The six month is not a bad thing at all.

1 - You will know whether or not you really want to do this.  If you can't follow a six month diet to lose a little weight, will you really be able to follow the recommended eating after surgery?

2 - You'll learn alot about yourself.  What are you food triggers?  During the six month phase, you'll learn what to do about them.

Hang in there.

I think they do require the 6 month nutritional counseling whether your insurance requires it or not.  Actually, the 6 month thing is a Maryland law for insurance companies.  I"m not sure why UHC has told you they don't require it. 

I would not have gotten as far as I have without the 6 months.  It taught me how to eat both before and after surgery.  It taught me how to read labels, how to find high protein foods and much much more important information.  The 6 months also gave me time to attend the support group and get to know some of the people there and learn from them.   If I had rushed into it any sooner, I don't think my surgery would have been successful.  

As far as Dr. LoMenzo...he's wonderful.  The entire team there is excellent, especially Noel.

I am pretty sure they require the 6 month diet double check with your insurance also , My insurance customer service told me it was not required , when I spoke with the review nurse I was told it was required and I beleieve is a maryland mandate.

You are right..the insurance company may not necessarily require it but the state of Maryland does. 

The 6 month NUT counseling is well worth it. The team is top notch and they will be with you each and every step of the way. Before and way after your surgery. This is the team that you want on your side.  I was/am/sort of , was  so B-A-D, they gave me an extra month of  counseling. But  looking back it was well worth it. I spent my 7 months eating my last meal.(gained 12lbs)...huge mistake. Take that time, listen and learn about WLS. It is time well spent.  Time will fly by so fast.

Also, while you are waiting, you will need the time to do all your pre-op testing.

Good Luck.

M.