medically supervised diet question?

I am going to the NYU Medical center for an information session tomorrow, but as I was researching on their site (http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/beforesurgery/records.html) it says that you need to bring documentation of six months worth of medically supervised dieting. This isn't even for insurance purposes...it is just for them. The problem is that I don't have any medically supervised diets. I haven't been to a PCP in years. I have been to the obgyn and an allergist and a walk-in clinic for coughs and infections and things like that, but I haven't done any medically supervised diets. I was on weigh****chers last year for 5.5 months and lost 52 lbs, but that's not medically supervised. I've, of course, done all of the home diets (atkins, south beach, etc etc), but again...not medically supervised. Do you think this is really a major problem? I have a feeling many people going for this surgery have been afraid to go to the doctor like I was... anyway I made an appointment with a PCP for tomorrow just to get the ball rolling on that just in case, but I'm hoping that I don't have to wait 6 months because I'm a teacher and I would like to do this over the summer if at all possible. sorry, you will begin to notice just how long-winded I can be!! ;)

Hi Elisa, I think we've talked before....anyway, I can share with you what I had to do. It probably is for the ins...but they are in charge of gathering all the info that the ins is in need of. I went to my pcp on Jan 31 just to get it documented that I wanted surgery, I then attended a support group for Baratric paitents and then a seminar on RNY and lap. And then on Feb22 I meet with the surgeon and his entire staff, dietitation, nurse, lady in charge of ins(whatever her title is) and the head of the program. That is when I did the 6 month journal. I too went to WW and tried all the other diets you mentioned. You just back track and do a Chart to show starting weights, weigh in at least twice a month and your loss/gain. You basicly want to show the ins that you truely have tried to lose weight. That your not just turning to surgery as your first option. with my journal I weight more the day i meet with the surgeon than the first day of the 6 month journal. But since then I've been on opti-fast perscribed by surgeon and I've lost every week at my weigh ins. My surgeon is in Heweltt and him and his staff are excellent. They have a support group meeting once a month for all who are intrested in or who have had surgery. I guess I can be long winded as well lol Tricia

I would check with your insurance company. It probably is for insurance, but if its not and its for the medical practice you are going to for your surgey, you have to have it done or they will not go any further with you. But always check with your insurance first. See what their requirements are. Marie

I called my insurance (GHI) and asked what the requirements are. They said that it had to be medically necessary, that's it. The reason I find this alarming is because after reading about it on here and other places on the net so often, I know GHI is one of the most strict insurances for covering this type of insurance. I guess I'm going to find out what I need to know at the info session tonight....keep your fingers crossed for me guys. Thanks for all the advice :)

Hi Elisa, You don't need to bring documentation to the seminar. That is for when you meet with the nutritionist and nurse. I would get the ball rolling and start on a program with your Dr. NYU requires that you have this as well as documentation of a physical including bloodwork done in the last 6 months. I'm in the process with NYU. Please send me a PM if you want to discuss further. I don't always catch the questions on the boards. Rachelle