Probably a dumb ????, but.....

Is there any way around the 6 month weight loss program? Or is there any way to make it go by faster, or has anyone ever had their doc work with them so that they didnt have to wait the actual 6 months??? Just curious! THANKS!!

I would say that there isnt a way to make it go faster unless you have already had a previous medically supervised diet! Unless you have PLEASE stick with it cuz then your insurance company wont have a reason to deny you! It will go very quickly once you DONT concentrate on it so much, you'll see! Just stick in there and it'll all work out. You want it done right the 1st time so you dont have to go thru a denial/appeal process. I waited 9 1/2 YEARS for mine and it was well worth the wait!!!!! "All things are possible theu Christ Jesus who strengthens you" Philippians 4:13

Your OH sister
Shanelle

My six months went by so fast I was suprised myself.I would say do the six months diet because doctors want to see that you are committed to losing the weight and not see it as a quick fix.I would question any doctor that is willing to lie about your six months visit .Good Luck...

I don't know of any way to get around it, no.  And I don't know how your doctor would work with you so you didn't have to wait the whole six months.  Do you mean will your doctor lie and say you did six months when you didn't?  I would hope not!  I would not want a dishonest honest who committed fraud on insurance companies.

Kelly

Even if your doctor fudged his records to show that you went to hiim once monthly for a 6-month diet, your insurance would know different because of visit charges that they pay.  Also, at my dr's office, their charting is electronic - no way to back chart, etc.

I had to do the 6-month diet also.  I went to my primary doctor in March regarding my weight & wanting Lap Band.  I went to the seminar the first part of April & got a copy of my insurance requirements the next day as instructed.  That's when I found out about the 6-month diet.  Made another appt to see my doctor the next week.  When I went in & I told them about the 6-month diet requirement (and was a little disappointed too), they made me feel better by saying, "Hey, this is your 2nd visit.  They had documented weight loss attempts, what to do until approved, etc."  So, I started looking forward to each visit - it's small victories & when you add in psych visit, nutritionist visit, tests, etc. - it really does go back fast.

PS - DON'T MISS A MONTH.  My insurance told me that if you miss 1 month, you have to start over!  And it has to be 6 cumulative months - (so it actually ends up being 7 visits).

Good luck!!

 

I am 5 years post op and my doctor worked with me. I had saw her at least once a month for a 6 month period and we weighed in everytime. She used those weights and the fact that we discussed them for my notes. God bless you on your journey :)

I too have a 6 month diet required and am having trouble being patient and not being obsessive about it.  My first visit was October 2.  I would love to have the surgery by the new year but that isn't going to happen if the policy stays the same.  We have to have patience together.