X-post/6 month "failed diet attempt" w UHC

If your Insurance Co. or Surgeon isn't pushing you to lose weight before surgery then why are you trying to?  You don't have to worry.....It will come off after surgery!!!!  If you lose to much they might think you can do it on your own.

I was told I had to get weighed once a month and not to gain during my 6 month process or I would be turned down.  I ended up losing 1 pound a month which I had to really work to do. 

Most insurances want you to be over 40 with no Majors and under 40 with Majors.

My Surgeon's office knew exactly what my insurance required so I'd check with them.

I have to agree with Roz on this one.  IF you think you will be denied by losing weight before surgery DO NOT LOSE WEIGHT!  It's really that simple.......Once you have approval from your ins co. go for the gusto and lose 30lbs if you want.......just don't jeapordize your shot at having surgery by losing if you think it's going to do more harm in the long run.....

I would also suggest eating lots of salty foods the night before a weigh in so you retain lots of fluids keeping that scale UP.......LOL  I know lots of people say wear lots of layers and heavy shoes.....blah blah blah......my surgeons office made me take off my shoes and any layers I didn't need before my weigh ins.......LOL  SO be careful on that one......better to hydrate and salt up the diet for those added pounds.

Also as another person posted your FAMILIES COMORBIDITIES.....WILL NOT be considered by your insurance company......only the ones you are currently experiencing yourself. 

Here is UHC coverage criteria for Maryland.......

For fully insured group policies in Maryland ONLY
Use the following criteria as specified in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR
31.10.33.03B. April 2006)
1. A Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40 kg/m2 without co-morbidity; OR
2. A BMI of 35 kg/m2 or greater with obesity-related co-morbid medical conditions including:
a. Hypertension
b. Cardiopulmonary condition
c. Sleep apnea
d. Diabetes
e. Any life threatening or serious medical condition that is weight induced
3. Demonstration that dietary attempts at weight control have been ineffective through
completion of a structured diet program, such as Weigh****chers or Jenny Craig. Either
of the following in the two-year period that immediately precedes the request for the
surgical treatment of morbid obesity meets the indication:
a. One structured diet program for six consecutive months; or
b. Two structured diet programs for three consecutive months.
4. Completion of a psychological examination of the member's readiness and fitness for
surgery and the necessary postoperative lifestyle changes
Additionally, as stated in the Code of Maryland Regulations: Coverage of surgical treatment of
morbid obesity is limited to adults 18 years of age or older.



I read this is you SHOULD NOT lose weight during your 6 month diet......IF you happen to lose you should put back on what you have lost DURING your diet phase.....so if you weigh in down 3lbs one month you should be back up the next.......make sense??  But like I said and others have once you're APPROVED lose as much as you want!!!  Good luck girlie!