Newbie question re: pre-surgery lifestyle program

Hi there,

Haven't posted for awhile since I'm just going through my pre-surgery lifestyle program which takes six months to please my insurance.

My BMI at initial weigh-in was 41 (223 lbs, 5 1/2), and besides having GERD and arthritic knees, I really don't have any other pre-existing health conditions that are as serious as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. I've asked the nutritionist at what BMI point can I not go below so that my insurance still covers me. She didn't really give me a good answer.

So in my tracker, I have tried to stay at 1480 calories a day. Sometimes I make it, sometimes I don't. And I've only lost about 3 lbs. In 4 months. I'm really nervous about this because I am worried that I'll lose too much weight and won't qualify. How odd is that?  I should be excited about wanting to lose as much weight as I can before my surgery, right? 

I just wanted to know what your pre-surgery experiences were like and if you have any advice for me? My next NUT appointment is end of next week so I plan on discussing this if I can get some one-on-one (both NUTs do weigh-in and there is usually a line). My psych evaluation and nutritionist consultation occurs next month so I can also ask then. 

Thanks for any advice,
Victorria

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!  What kind of surgery are you having? 

I also had to go through a 6 month program for my insurance company. I was told by my Surgeon that the insurance uses the very first weight when considering eligibility. I had GERD and my knees hurt also.  I think my BMI was at 41 also but I can't remember for sure.

My PCP said that my insurance required that I had to get weighed every month on the same week and that if I gained weight I would not be approved.  He put me on a 1200 calorie diet.  I lost a total of 6 pounds. One pound every month.

I used my 6 months to get prepared for the big change.  The hardest thing I did was give up my Diet Pepsi and still off it 7 years later.   If you are a smoker you should try to quit. I hung out on here a lot and tried to learn everything I could.  Tried different brands of Vitamins and Bought myself a smaller dinner plate that made me smile, tried some Protein drinks, bought a Bullet blender, etc.

HI Roz!!

I'm having RnY surgery and you seem to be have been on the same type of program as I did. I will ask my NUT what the insurance looks at--that would be very helpful to know. On this plan as well we cannot gain or we have to start all over again.

I just gave up caffeinated coffee this week--switched to decaf. Ugh. Not liking the taste difference but I figure it's a step. Never been a smoker so that is one hurdle I don't have to cross.

Thanks so much for your help!

Victorria

My NUT told me the weight my surgeon's office submits to insurance would be my initial weight, not my weight post the supervised weight loss phase.  You may want to check with the office so that you don't worry so much - I'm sure you have enough on your mind that trying not to lose too much is just one you may be able to scratch off that list!

Hi Victorria,

Good luck with your pre-op hoops!!

Most will submit your weight when you start the program, but to be sure I would call my insurance company, get the person's name and write it all down so if you have problems later you can tell them who told you what.

I don't remember having a goal to lose, but we couldn't gain any weight.  I had to do six month of support group or six months of therapy along with six months of some type of nutritional program/exercise.

Linda

My insurance didn't require a 6 month program but the Dr required 12 training sessions and you couldn't do but 2 a month so there you go.  We were suppose to be on 1500calories during that time, 1200 for the last month before surgery, 5 optifast shakes a day and one small food meal.  I don't remember any goals for the 6 months but during the optifast part we were to lose 8% and we all did.

I think you will be fine but best to ask.  I was amazed that the Nuts at my Dr knew exactly what it took for ever insurance to get you passed. 

Good luck over the next months.  It was the best thing I ever did for myself.

Definitely check with your insurance to find out if your starting weight or surgery weight counts. I lost a lot pre-op, getting my BMI from 50 to 37, and I found out that my insurance is one of the rare ones where whether or not they pay depends just on your weight the morning of surgery in a hospital gown after a 2-week liver shrinking diet. The hospital scale was off by 5 lbs too, so by their measure I came 7 lbs away from disqualifying myself, and I would have if my diabetes and hypertension didn't qualify me with a BMI of 35 instead of 40.

Your story is so much like mine.  The day I went in i put 5 lb weights in my pocket and drank so much water to make sure I made the weight.  As soon as I got on the scale I dashed to the bathroom.  I emptied my pockets and was approved.  I had to lose 10 lbs before surgery per my doctor.  Because of the weights I only had to lose 5.  Thank god.  Good luck to you.