Bariatric Centers of Excellence

Does anyone know anything about Bariatric Centers of Excellence and the 6 month supervised diet requirements some insurance companies have? I have BCBS of TX- TRS Active Care.

Hi Carrie! There are a lot of people on OH that have BCBS so I'm sure you'll have someone respond to you soon about that particular insurance.   However, my insurance has the center of excellence recommendation the the requirements of the 6 month supervised diet.  Once you decided on a surgeon and a sugery (there are several...make sure you investigate them and find out which one is the best fit for you), you need to find out where the surgeon performs the surgery.  If your insurance requires a center of excellence, then you may need to continue to look for a surgeon who operates in a center of excellence.  Personally, I continued to look for a surgeon until I found one who met the standards to practice in a center of excellence (and I also wanted to find one who did the DS Lap too ) I also had to do the 6 month supervised diet.  I contacted my surgeon's office and they faxed me a document that I copied and was to take to each appointment.  I had already seen her several times so she had to go back and fill out this additional form.  But, it was well worth it in the end as it went through my insurance for a quick approval. For the diet, I had to followed a PCP recommendation for a diet plan.  I did weigh****chers online.  I tried their core plan (low fat/low cal) and then switched to the points because it was easier.  I also had to include and exercise regime where I increased it steadily each week in frequency and duration. (I started walking 10 min/2X a week and ended after 6 months walking 40 minutes 5X/wk).  My insurance also required me to loose weight...it only had to be one pound...but I had to lose.  I ended up losing 4 lbs.  In the middle of the 6 month diet, I gained a few pounds because of vacation.  But, I went back down.  All they cared about for the weight loss was that I ended at a lower number than when I started. I also had to be seen by my PCP or a nurse practitioner (some only require a nurse or a nutritionist).  I had to be weighed at every visit, once a month.  I also had to meet with my PCP to discuss the diet.  You simply couldn't go get weighed in and leave.  And, everything had to be well documented in the notes (or on the additional form my surgeon gave me). I hated the 6 month weight but it turned out to be a blessing.  I had initiallly looked into the lapband, then the RNY and finally discovered the DS...which, for me, was the best option.  Had I not had the 6 month diet/wait, I would not have had a surgery that was not suited for me.  So, like I said, it was worth the wait.   I hope this helps.  Best of luck on your insurance and approval!