Question:
Was anyone required to see a nutritionist for 6 months for a WLS referral?

I have Blue Shield of California HMO (Sante) and have been told because of the "Sante" part of my insurance, I have to see a nutritionist for 6 months before I'm even considered for surgery? Help! Any suggestions?    — goddesschyyld (posted on January 7, 2005)

January 7, 2005
Hello Kristine, I am 12 weeks post-op and I also have "Santee" through PacifiCare. I had to attend a 6 month course with the nutritionist also. In the beginning I felt the same way that you are feeling. When surgery time came I was thankful for the requirement! I lost 10% of my body weight and therefor, my liver had shrank which made for less complications during surgery. It helped me to get my "MIND SET" so to say, and to help get ready for the huge lifestyle change. I am grateful today for all of the pre-requirements and I really wish that everyone was required to meet with the nutritionist before surgery. Good luck to you and feel free to write anytime! My email is destrielea@hotmail. com. Take care! Destrie
   — DestrieLea

January 7, 2005
I have BC/BS Preferred care in Alabama but their requirements are similar. I have to have 6 months care with my primary care that will include weigh ins and such. I wanted to get started much sooner but even if I have to wait a year I know that it will be a small price to pay to be healthy and in the "normal" world :) Tryna
   — Tryna J.

January 8, 2005
I have Blue Shield of California also (different group though). I actually called Blue Shield and was told they don't have that requirement, but they defer all approvals for wls to your Dr's group. So if the group says 6 mos, they agree with that. I was also told I would have to have 6 mos of butrional classes. I asked my PCP's assistant if we could get it w/out and she said we could try but doubted it. Well I was approved for the nuritional classes, signed up, and took 1st 2 (within that time I wrote a letter to my PCP and Blue Shile and my pcp re-submitted...I got my referral and am now scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. All-in-all it has been just at 2 months for me. I am not saying your group will let you get away with that, I wouldn't want you to get your hopes up...a lot of people have to do the 6 month thing...but if you want to try the letter is always a plus...it can't hurt...if you want to email me with any questions... [email protected] ...I am available. GOOD LUCK in your quest! and I hope this helped some.
   — Laura G.

January 10, 2005
I have Aetna insurance. I needed to see a nutrionist for 6 months before they would even consider me.
   — Lori L

January 10, 2005
In Alabama everyone who has BCBS is now required to have 6 consecutive months of physician supervised weight loss before they will be considered for surgery. While it initially frustrated me on behalf of the patients I work with, I actually now feel that even though it's "just another diet" it can be good to have that time to get educated and mentally prepare yourself for post op WLS life. The more education the better. It just might be possible that with really good education preoperatively there won't be so many fears and concerns and cases of regain postoperatively. Just a thought.
   — ronascott