Lapband, 6 months medically supervised diet?

Hi,
I was wondering which doctors in RI require documentation of at least 6 months' attempt to diet under medical supervision in order to have the lap band surgery. I am at the very beginning stages of this (haven't been to an info session, though I am going on the 14th for Dr. Pohl) and I have only been medically supervised once, at least 10 years ago. I have followed Weigh****chers and I have done South Beach, but never under the supervision of anyone (I took my mother's Weigh****chers materials and followed them, but never for 6 months and not under anyone's supervision other than my own). This is going to be a problem, isn't it? Thanks for any info you can give me.

Hi!  Dr Pohl did my lap band in Sept and I attended his seminar in Feb 08.  He did not require any medically supervised diet program, but my insurance co (Aetna) required a 3 month nutrition counseling, exercise regimen, and behavioral mod program.  I did it, and it really prepared me for post-op life.  Many insurance co’s seem to be going this route of late….they must figure we will say the heck with it, and then they won’t have to pay for our surgeries, but I tricked them…I went by their rules and they paid for everything! Ha! Dr P is great!  I love him, and he did a wonderful job on my surgery.  He also has a great post-op follow-up protocol, and I am very happy with his care.  Plus, he cracks me up! Best of luck to you!Cara

Hi Fern and welcome!  I also had my surgery with Dr. Pohl.   I agree with Cara's comments.  Dr Pohl is awesome  - but I think you will find that most people have the same feeling about their doctors.  I believe most requirements of pre-diets are either required by the insurance or sometimes by the psych.  (part of Dr. Pohl's requirements are a psych eval...)  Bring some water to the info session and if you can eat dinner before - you should.  The meeting is very long - but really really good.

Hello,

I am new to this also.  I went to the seminar then it took 2 months to see Dr. Pohl.  Because of my medical (United Health) I have to be supervised by a dietitian and my own physician for 6 months of a structured diet plan.  It really bummed me out. I had to Wait another month just to get an appointment with each of them.

So, I guess it can be a journey.  I hope I can get through it.

Take Care

Hi April!

I know you can get through it. Although it's seems like eons away, it really will go by more quickly than you think.

You'll get through it!

I have confidence in you!

Jules