medically supervised diet

I am wondering if anyone knows...what exactly is the purpose of the medically supervised diet? I want to get a lap band at the Cleveland Clinic and I haven't started anything with them yet because my husband is waiting to get into the company he is working at as a temp and then after 90 days he will get medical mutual and I will be able to start the process with the surgeon and all that. Next month however, I am going to begin my 6 month medically supervised diet because I know that medical mutual requires it (also i have insurance now through the hospital i work at but it's not good for WLS) and I'm worried because I can lose weight some ways just not keep it off. I'm worried that if I lose any weight with this they will think that I don't need surgery and deny me. Not the case, cause I can lose weight for a little while but then I just gain it back and then some. I guess I'm worried that i'm being set up to fail because on one hand I would love to lose some weight before I have surgery to get a good jumpstart but i'm really worried if I do they won't approve surgery. Can anyone help me?? Thanks! Angela

Here is my understanding of the diet historys and supervised diets. The insurance co. want to see a pattern of yo-yoing. That you can lose the weight and can be committed to a program but you just can't keep it off. Even after losing the weight as long as your BMI is still high enought over 35-40 you should be able to get surgery. Good Luck, Robin

I had medical mutual. I did the 6 month diet with my pcp. YUou have to have everything they want and they will aprove you. 5 years of proof of being over weight. health issues. I didnt lose any weight i gained and lost the same 5 pounds. my dr put me on a diet and excercise program. I went in every month same time for a weigh in. and talked about the diet and excercise. all documentened. Best wishes Barb

I also have MM insurance and just met with my nutritionist yesterday to start the six month diet. The purpose of this is according to my pcp and my nut. is to prove that I cannot lose weight and keep it off. Also I was told they want to see how one can stick to a plan. This whole thing is a pain and a hoop we all rather not have to jump through, but my attitude is just do my best and get though it. Good luck Blessings Tina