Consult today

I have good news and bad news. I saw Dr. Owesis today and he approved me for the Lap Band. However with my insurance Medical Mutual Health Ohio, the nurse told me that they require a 3-6 month physician supervised diet within the past 2 years, which I don't have. I have done other diets within the past 2 years but none supervised. Now I have a question? If I go on this diet and lose weight is M.M. going to deny me because I can lose weight on my own? And if I don't try to lose weight on the diet, will they deny me for not trying? I am really confused and depressed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

KATHY, I think it is pretty much the standard today for all insurance companies to do that. Ohio State makes everyone do the 12 weeks with a dietician regardless of insurance and possible another 4 weeks with one right before the surgery. I too, was floored when I recieved my first letter from OSU stating that I did not have enough diet history. I had the page full and could have filled another -- but in the past 2 years none was Dr. supervised. I started my journey on Oct. 26 and am supposed to have my info submitted this Wed. to the committee for possible approval. I am praying that all will be in order. What I'm trying to say is that I sympathize with you and know how disappointing it can be. I thought I knew everything there was to know about dieting, but will have to say that the dietician I saw at Adena Med. Center in Chillicothe is great. She did teach me a few new tricks and helped me to lose 46 lbs. I hope that you will not be too discouraged and hang in there. God Bless you, Debra

Debra, Ohio State does not require 12 weeks for everyone. I am having my surgery at OSU on 8/27/04 and have only had to attend the 4 nutrition classes. My insurance is self funded and administered by United Healthcare, they did not require any particular diets in the past 2 years. I did have the 5 years of charts showing my BMI was well well over 40 ;) From reading posts from others, it seems that the required supervised diet is becoming more common. -Anne

I am just starting out doing this too. I am so worried that is what will happen to me. I wish you the best and if you need a friend to talk to, look for me.

Julie, Thanks for writing. What insurance do you have? Just make sure you have all your diet histories in order. The nurse told me that my insurance just started this 3-6 month diet in the past 2 years just in March of this year. So it sounds like most insurances might be going to this. Try to find out from your insurance what they require. Keep us informed of your journey. Kathy