Question:
Is having been on a physicain prescribed weight loss program required prior to WLS?

I have made several attempts at weight loss over many years, but never was on one 'prescribed' by a physician and I never went through a weight loss program like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. I'm a bit doctor phobic (mostly because of my weight - oh irony-)and have never been able to afford professional assistance? Will this automatically disqualify me for WLS?    — Melissa L. (posted on April 17, 2003)

April 17, 2003
Melissa, Some insurance companies require physician supervised weight loss and so do some surgeons. However, not all of them do. The only way to find out what your insurance company requires is to call them and ask. No matter what they tell you, make them send it to you in writing. Mine had told me over the phone that they don't cover it, but when they sent me the page where the exclusion supposedly was, it allows surgery under certain conditions. It doesn't cover any other treatment for obesity. I was approved within a couple of weeks of the surgeon's office submitting it.
   — garw

April 17, 2003
It depends on the doctor and the ins company. And you might have more than you think.I found I had alot more then I thought after I spoke to my family doc. Good Luck
   — Autumn

April 17, 2003
It really does depend on your doctor and the insurance. Luckily neither my surgeon nor my insurance required a doctor supervised diet. I was on plenty of them but the doctor who supervised them had retired and no longer had his records. Good luck to you.
   — Patty_Butler