Had lst supervised weight loss meeting today :)

Hi,

I had seen my surgeon on 3/1/2010 & then decided I could "do it alone" and couldn't, so have restarted the journey for WLS.  My weight today made me over the 40 BMI (I think probably 41), and one of the girls at the office said not to lose too much because of insurance, even though the surgeon had wanted me to lose 15# on the liver reduction diet.

My question is, if the doctor does want you to lose some weight, am I penalized at that point if I go under 40 BMI???  I am all fired up, and want to do everything correctly, but I just don't know what to do about weight loss.  I had always thought that insurance took my beginning weight.

Any words of wisdom on how to make the pre-op phase (I have to do 3 months supervised weight loss) go quickly would be appreciated.

Thanks!

You need to discuss with the coordinator in your surgeon's office when and what weight is sent to insurance to obtain coverage for payment. My surgeon's office uses the weight on the third and final visit for supervised medical weight loss. Once coverage is obtained and a surgery date fixed, THEN you get placed on the pre-op liquid diet. I've been told that more weight loss at that point is fine. Like you, I'm right at the low end (in my case, 36 BMI) and I can't lose much more.

Thanks for responding.

I was told we are all supposed to be on liver reduction diet.  The office said that they submit the first weight, but that I need to talk with Dr (my next app't with him is 2/28) because I should not lose much weight "just in case"???  I am not sure what I should do as my insurance requires the 3 month supervised weight loss plan, my doctor wants me to lose 15 pounds before surgery, but I don't want to "blow" my insurance either.  I do not have any co-mobidities.

Rolls of quarters in your pockets if you need them ... If you are motivated, I wouldn't let getting too low stand in your way :-)

Can you call your insurance provider and ask for specifics?  From what I have read on these boards, some insurances DO take your initial weight.  Others, like mine, take the weight closer to surgery after you fulfill requirements.   If you do call your insurance, make sure to get the name of the person you speak to, and better yet, get any information confirmed in writing.  Once you know what your insurance needs to have, I would pin the surgeon down on his plans and expectations, especially as you are so close to the lower border.   Good luck.

Thank you!  I will call them tomorrow as well!

I'm sure all programs/insurances are different but mine used my very first weight (at my PCP's office) when I started my 6 month supervised diet.  I never really could tell if they WANTED me to lose weight or not.  I lost a little (about 15 pounds) which brought me from a 43 BMI to a 40 BMI at surgery.  Just check with your insurance plan.....If your surgeon wants you to lose weight, I'd do it...he might cancel the surgery! 

BEST wishes...the pre-op phase is a pain because of the waiting (when I FINALLY decided I wanted this surgery, I wanted it IMMEDIATELY).  BUT, it's really a golden time period where you can get your body and brain ready for this journey.  I focused on exercise so I was in good shape for the surgery/anesthesia, I also did tons of research on eating after surgery.  I bought a ton of books off  Amazon and used this website alot!  Use this pre-op time wisely...the surgery will happen before you know it!

We had the 6 month program, then the weight and approval info was sent in.  Then after approval we started a 4 week liver reducation diet.  We were told we really didn't have to lose during the 6 mon time but did have to lose 8% during the 4 week prep diet.