Insurance question

Does anyone else have MDIPA insurance and gone through the approval process? I was wondering because it seems that there is so much to do. I called the insurance company to ask them the criteria they would need, and they said they needed the Dr's office to call them. The Dr's office called, and they had to fax a referral to the weight loss surgery center. They still wouldn't give out the criteria until they received that! Just curious. Thanks, Kathy

Hey Kathy, Yeah, that sounds about right. All insurances have different criteria and will for the most part try to make you jump through hoops just to get your benefits. (my experience only, of course). You can't rush them, you definitely can't get them to do things differently. Just stay on top of it as best you can. Try to go with the flow, don't let any of it get you down, and don't let any of it dissuade you from your ultimate goal. As the saying goes, keep your eye on the prize, the rest will come. Good luck, Carole

Hi Tooter, Just a quick one - In terms of need: New people need to know that they need vitamins, minerals and lots of protein (food and / or supplemented) every day. Chewable or liquid supplements (or ground up), are necessary. There are people who are missing this point (still!). For weight lifting: Supplements that actually work, not just ones that are hyped by the health products industry Other articles/ topics: There are rumors on boards like "WLS Gone Wrong" boards that RNY and DS people are doomed to a life of malnutrition, protein malabsorption and nonabsorption of micronutrients. I would like to read about any studies on the topic. Thanks, as always, Dave

Tooter, I would appreciate meal planning advice and suggestions. Comments on specific brands of nutrients, protein drinks, Vitamin and calcium regiments etc. People willing to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of their nutrition experiences coming out of surgery and then long term maintenance. drjco

One question that I see from time-to-time: How many calories should I be taking in? There seems to be confusion regarding this issue. I still have trouble pinpointing my caloric needs. Thanks. Jay

Carole's right! Let the hoop jumping begin! It does seem weird to me though that they wouldn't even send you the requirements...try checking out the insurance company's website...I have Aetna and that's where I found mine. Good luck! Christine