Question:
I don't have much Dr documented weight loss attempts. Will that hurt my chances?

I'm 25 adn I've been overweight as long as I can remember and all I have ever heard from doctor's is loose weight. They didn't want to give me any help. Finally once I was in 22 I was on my own insurance and could stop going to the same old doctor. My new doctor's have actually suggested the surgery to me, but due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, I've had to delay surgery until now. So although I have been on diets, pills and programs most people have never heard of I really don't have much in the way of documented history or comorbidities. BTW my height is 5'7" and I am 345. Any advice?    — Krista L. (posted on December 21, 2005)

December 21, 2005
It all depend on your Insurance Carrier. Every Insurance is different.
   — believe47

December 21, 2005
I am 28 and just had RNY in October. I was 5'8" and 312. I had no documentation of any diets not even weight watchers and I was approved by my insurance after just one week of submitting it. Good Luck.
   — jengriggs01

December 21, 2005
It will not concern most surgeons as they already know that people who are seriously overweight for years cannot ever be expected to lose and maintain weight loss without restrictive surgery to keep you from being hungry. What I DO recommend is your investigating Lap Band Surgery (Adjustable Gastric Banding - AGB). You are too young and healthy to endanger your health with having your stomach and intestines cut into pieces and re-attached, plus the weight loss from those surgeries does not last. Join a reputable support group like Smart Bandsters and start learning. Be an informed partner in your body's future health. You are smart not to let this linger any longer. Feel free to write me if you want to. Theresa from South Texas.
   — SouthTX LapBand

December 21, 2005
I was over weight all of my life and I had the GBP surgery in 1996. I am 5"7" and my weight was 307 Lbs. Today after 9 years I am 135 Lbs. and very healthy. I take my vitamins every day and I eat the way I was told to eat by the nutritionist when I was post-op. Eating the right way becomes part of my life, and I don't need to make an extra effort to do it. It is a daily routine. What I like about it the most is that I don't have to obcesse about food any more. I eat very small portions every 2 hours.
   — Dani96

December 21, 2005
It all depends on the requirements of your insurance company. I have CIGNA PPO and you have to be on a 6 months supervised weight loss program and see your doctor on a monthly basis. I was told by the Admin person at Sinai Bariactric Clinic that you can't miss those monthly visits because if you do you have to start all over again. I don't believe not having the information will hurt your chances, you just may have to go through their process.
   — the7thdean

December 22, 2005
Call or visit your insurance company's website and find out their clinical guidelines for approving the surgery. If they need documentation of weight loss attempts, then start a diet with your doctor. You can start teh diet and go to the surgeon for a date in six months, or however ong your insurance requires you to be on the diet.
   — Novashannon

December 23, 2005
I have completed all the requirements & contacted my surgeons surgery scheduler & was told my insurance (medica) just started (as of 11/05) requiring this as well. I called my Insurance & went to their web site & really didnt get a clear answer to exactly what they wanted to see. The surgeon wont send in the pre auth with out this because they know it will be denied. So my Dr wrote me a letter & I am sending that in with the pre auth info. The letter basically says I have tried all means, diet, exercise, medication with no avail. She really doesnt know that for a fact - but was willing to write the letter because she believes I should have the surgery. Hopefully your Dr. will do the same.
   — joleaha