Question:
I really have no dr supervised diet records or a pcp that I have seen what can I do?

I have been to medifast but for only about 3 weeks. I went to the metabollic research center for about 3 months. my BMI is 41. I take zoloft for depression. but, I have no real drs records other than gyno.I do have backpain and irregular periods however, What does anyone out there think my approval chances are?    — Cathy B. (posted on October 22, 2001)

October 22, 2001
I would get a hold of EVERYTHING you can regarding your weight history. When I started this process, I went to past Dr.s first, got all my notes from 10 years back, most from ob/gyn, chiropractors, and some from another Dr., now my PCP, for back prob. and weight. When I had these papers all together, I sat and highlighted the areas pertaining to weight, pain, depression, etc..., THEN, I went to the surgeon. There was more than I realized. You may have more than you realize too. Just check your notes of what the DR. wrote. You may be surprised. As far as pcp goes, ask around, and go to him/her and tell them what you want.Also check your insurance, what do they require?You have to be your own advocate. Good wishes to you.
   — Marie A.

October 22, 2001
Every ins. co. is different, every surgeon's office has their own policies. I did get all my records first and it turned out I did not need them. My surgeons office had about a dozen pages of info to complete, they faxed my answers and their pre-determination letter to my ins. co. for pre- approval. I got it without needing the records. Talk to the surgeon's office staff first and find out what they have found most ins. co's ask for and go from there. You may not need all the records, and most offices charge a fee to copy them for you.
   — Maureen P.

October 22, 2001
Although I've pretty much run the gamut with weight loss programs and schemes, I had very little of it documented. Turns out, I didn't need to. I was asked by my surgeon's office what I had tried in the past and answered honestly. The insurance company thankfully accepted that and I was approved within a week. Good Luck!
   — Donna L.

October 22, 2001
If you can remember all of the "non-supervised" diets you were on, making a list of them, time frame and results wouldn't hurt.. along with a letter of neccessity from your PCP. I had mine right me a letter that said there was nothing more he could do to my weight loss that I haven't already, and while I dont' have your insurance, it worked, adn for you, couldn't hurt.. If you'd like a copy of the letter / my diet plan please feel free to email me...
   — Elizabeth D.

October 22, 2001
Are you sure your insurance will require proof of doctor supervised diets? My insurance did not require it. Find out for sure before you stress out over something you may not need. Good luck on your approval.
   — [Anonymous]

October 23, 2001
Have you taken Xenical, Meridia, Phen-Fen or any other prescribed drug? These are doctor supervised, in that they require a prescription!
   — [Anonymous]

October 23, 2001
Have you seen doc's who recommended that you lose weight? Did you. soon after, enroll in Jenny Craig..WW..etc. That might suffice. That's what my friend had to do. She submitted the copies of the office notes from her docs which documented discussions/advice about losing weight along with her membership stuff (...she's a bit of a pack rat...) showing her diet club activity. They approved...and she had her rny.
   — [Anonymous]