Weighing in

IN preparation for seeing the surgeon (Dr Schweitzer, May 22nd) I've been seeing my PCP for my 6 month supervised diet. Basically we've been meeting once a month to discuss what I've been doing such as diet and exercise and she's been giving me suggestions for the next month. When I see the surgeon I'll have 3 months of the diet finished. My hope is that I'll have 3 months done and, while I'm finishing up the rest of the 6 month diet I can get all my pre-op stuff done (psych eval, sleep study if needed, etc) and then, when the diet is done, get approval and be ready to go. Now, my questions are... Does the surgeon generally expect for me to have my 6 months done before I see him? Is it unreasonable for me to hope to have everything done by the end of the 6 month diet and be ready to go for surgery? Now, the big question...I can't be weighed reliably on my doctors scale (her scale only goes to 350. I'm currently about 368) Did anyone else have this problem and what did you do about it as far as submitting your diet to your insurnace?

About 18 years ago I did Jenny Craig and found that they have a supporting atmosphere and a great digital scale! So from then on, whenever I crossed the line above 300 or 350, depending on the scale, I would just walk in to a Jenny Craig and ask to use their scale. They've never questioned why and will usually leave you alone to use it. I have only had to ask one counselor to please leave while I weigh myself. If you need a witness I'm sure that they would sign something too. Emergency rooms generally have big digital scales as well. Good Luck. Dotsie

Tina, I also did the 6 month supervised weight loss with my PCP. It's something (for me) that was required by my health insurance. Keep in mind that when these are required, they have to be Consecutive. I spent 6 months with my PCP where some visits were over 30 days and my insurance denied that I had completed the requirement and I had to start over for another 6 months. So while you are only 3 months in, please make sure that your visists are not further apart than 30 days, just in case your insurance is as picky as mine. To answer your questions, yes, I was able to complete the other requirements while attanding the PCP supervised weight loss plan. I was able to complete my psych eval, cardiac clearance, bloodwork, etc. The question about what the surgeon expects can only be answered by his office. My surgeon saw me for a consultation, spoke with me on the phone about status/updateas, etc. and did not schedule my 2nd appt. until after approval from the insurance company. I think at the end of the 6 month supervised diet plan, if you have completed everything else, it is reasonable to expect things to be in order for your surgeon to submit to your insurance for approval. If you are approved within 2-4 weeks, scheduling surgery would depend on your surgeon's schedule and how soon he/she can get you in. Finally, I would hope that your doctor is accurately recording your weight, even if that means investing in a better scale. I have not heard of anyone running into this problem, but I would venture to say that it might cause a problem when you submit to the insurance company for approval. I certainly hope that it doesn't though. Good luck and keep us updated. Roni

Hi I have Dr. Schweitzer. He did not require the 6 month diet plan. Most insurance companies do. I have BCBS federal and I faxed them about 6 months worth of Weigh****chers cards and my Curves membership. That was enough for them. Debbie (Dr. Schweitzers secretary) does all the dirty work for you with the insurance. If you have any questions about Dr. Schweitzer or the surgery, please email me. I am 5 months out and down 75lbs. It is the best decision I ever made. Good luck to you.... Robin