Question:
How Many classes/meetings did you have to go to?
I was just wondering how many classes/meetings you had to go to before you had the surgery. I go to my first class/meeting on May 20th. Please let me know thanks — booboobears_angel (posted on May 13, 2009)
May 13, 2009
My insurance requires 6 months of dr. monitored classes. What it really
comes down to is that my H.R. dept. chose this plan. HR says that its
because they want patients to 'try' the classes first, then if they don't
work, they will approve surgery. I've been overweight my entire life, like
6 classes are going to change that! Mostly.... it's more hoops to jump
through in hopes that patients won't go to the classes, or they will miss
one, and then they wont have to pay for surgery!!
— Libby R.
May 13, 2009
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal and didn't have to attend any
meetings or have 6 mo supervised diet etc.
— Kathleen F.
May 13, 2009
My Kaiser insurance requires weekly therapy group type classes for six
months to learn all about WLS. The classes were quite good; I learned a
lot and made some good friends. Subsequently you have to take a fitness
test to show you can walk around a building 3 times which is important
after surgery to avoid blood clots. Then they may or may not require more
blood tests. And finally you meet with the surgeon and get your surgery
date. I'm waiting for the last three appointments, and am so eager to get
this weight off so my health improves. But considering the permanence of
WLS, the wait has not seemed long. Good luck!
— Janell C.
May 13, 2009
Every insurance co., Dr. etc is different. I have Blue Cross PA and they
required nothing except proof from a dr, that I had tried to lose weight in
the past. My surgeon however required attendance at 3 info sessions, 2
support group meetings and a nutritionist and psych meeting. This took
about 3 months as most of the meetings were once a month. I was so
impatient to have the surgery but now I am so thankful for the education I
received. OI feel I was very prepared both mentally and physically for the
life changing surgery. I still attend 2 support group meetings per month at
the hospital and plan to continue indefinitely. We have a great time and I
am continuing to learn about my RNY.My sis on the other hand went to Mexico
for her surgery (paid out of pocket because she didn't want to wait for
insurance approval) and she has literally no support. I don't know how she
does it-I need my support group!
— Kristi K.
May 13, 2009
I was required by my dr's office to attend three support groups, but the
stats say if you attend regularly after surgery~atleast once a month, your
70 % more likely to keep the weight off. I attend regularly because I want
to help new people on their journey. Hugs, Kim
— gpcmist
May 14, 2009
My surgeon requires 2 support group meetings and 2 informational sessions,
as well as a written quiz on the topics covered, prior to surgery. After
surgery, they want you to go to at least 5 support group meetings during
your first year post op.
— Snapefantasy
May 14, 2009
i had a 6 month waiting with my insurance co., then 2 support group
meetings, nutrition classes, psych meeting, then medical clearences from
heart,lung, and PCP drs. but it went by really quick.i am now 6 weeks post
op. good luck
— gogirl1960
Click Here to Return