Question:
What is the best thing to do to help me get qualified for WLS??

I've seen the surgeon already, he says I am a good canidate for GBS. However, my insurance says I must provide 12 months weight loss attempts, from a doctor stating what the weight was starting and ending and what diet I was on. NOW, the problem: I went to Physician's Weight Loss Clinic for 6-8 months back in 1989 and of course they now can't find the records of mine. I also have records from another doctor from back in 1995 or 96 I CAN get records from but that was only for a period of about 6 months. What would you do?? Send in what records I can get and explain that I was under a physician's care but they no longer have the records or not even mention it at all? HELP! What can I do, I live in Florida and come 2005 GBS will no longer be covered by my insurance company. I need to get this going now if I even have a chance. I would appreciate any advice I can get that would help me in this controversy. THANK YOU!    — SouthernMagnolia B. (posted on July 9, 2004)

July 8, 2004
Any chance you wrote checks or paid by credit card? It wouldn't give you the progress you made, but would at least prove you were under a doctor's care for weight loss during that time. Maybe the doctor would be willing to write you a statement based on some proof of your participation. Good luck!
   — Debra R.

July 9, 2004
I would begin a weightloss program with your doctor monitoring your progress because the sooner you start the less time it will take in the long run. Besides it takes time for approval and scheduling a surgery date anyway. Also there are some insurance carriers that allow a pre-op preparation for 3 months instead of the 6 month supervised diet. I have Aetna and was told that I might have problems because my records were more than 2 years old. Everything worked out and I was approved after the first attempt, but I have been told I am one of the lucky ones. Good luck with everything:-)
   — Sara A

July 9, 2004
Maggi, I would go ahead and list the first diet. Surely your insurance will take your word for it, mine did. Good record keeping from your doctors will go a long way also.
   — juju524