VLCD Question

I am following a physician monitored liquid diet and I have a question I hope someone here can answer. While I want to succeed on the diet, what happens if I do? Will the insurance company deny my surgery becase of success on this liquid diet which is unrealistic for long term feeding. What happens if I lose say 50-100 lbs, not enough for me personally, will InsCo say just keep on VLCD (which they do not pay for) instead of authorizing my WLS?

I asked the same question when I was to have RNY surgery. They said that the weight that I was when I walked in the door of their office is the weight that is given to the insurance company, and if you lose more or go under your BMI after that, the insurance co. will not know. So don't worry.  You're A-okay!  But I'd check with my doctor's office and see what THEY tell you. Bren

If your BMI drops below 40, you could be denied, if that's one of your insurance company's terms. Some companies also will deny you if you have been under a BMI of 40 anytime in the past 5 years. Question comes up a lot on the INSURANCE Board--- check it out!

Definately discuss with your doctor's office. Our office does put people on a VLCD prior to surgery if their BMI is greater than 60. They will still qualify for WLS if they succeed at VLCD, they'd just be at a lower weight - making the surgery easier for teh surgeon. In any event, you've likely succeeded at weight loss in the past - that's not the problem. The problem is keeping it off. Staying on a long term VLCD is not realistic - it's only meant for short term. All insurance companies are different. Double check with your doc's office. Usually they have a plan for you --- beside, think of it this way --- your doc's office likely wants you to have surgery --- they make their money by operating. Not necessarily by watching you drink shakes. Ya know? They probably know what they are doing & just fulfilling a crazy requirement by the insurance companies. Good luck! Sara Nejat-Bina, RD, CNSD, CDE enutritioncare.com

Thanks to all who have replied.  I have to be on a supervised weight loss program for 6 mos per my insco. I have been to Barix but I will be going to another center also and I guess I will see what happens.