Question:
I am just starting month 3 of my 6 month Physician Supervised diet to meet Aetna....

I am just starting month 3 of my 6 month Physician Supervised diet to meet Aetna's requirements. I have been following what dietician/nutritionists plan and keepeing a meal journal but in the first 2 months I still have not lost any weight, not even 1 lbs. Is this going to mess up my 6 months with Aenta because I didn't lose weight in the first 2 months? According to Aetna's Coverage Policy I can submit for pre-certification for the surgery after completing 3 months of the 6 month diet as long as I complete the full 6 months prior to the surgery date. I am really scared that Aetna will deny me due to this. I am desperate to prove to Aetna that I am committed to do whatever it takes before and after the surgery, just worried about the no weight loss in the 2 months. Thanks!    — Tiffany B. (posted on October 9, 2003)

October 9, 2003
No, you should be fine as long as the diet and increased activity is documented in the doctor's files. I only lost weight 2 out of the 6 months of my doctor supervised diet. I actually had an overall weight gain at the end of the 6 months. Aetna still approved me without any problems. Good Luck
   — Tom Barton

October 9, 2003
I have Aetna HMO and I didn't have to have the six months...I wonder when they changed it... my husband is going for approval now, and I am glad to hear it. I'll have him get that info gathered as I am sure he'll need it, and I am not sure if our PCP knows the requirements have changed... he has been on a diet it was with Phentromine(?) only one part of the Phen-Fen blend (I guess I spelled it right)... it caused high blood pressure after about 9 months so they took him off of it...
   — MF

October 9, 2003
How many calories do they have you on? I cannot imagine if they put you on like 1200 calories that you would not lose even 1 lb. Maybe the diet the nutritionist gave you isn't right for your body. I think as long as you are complying with the requirements that you will be approved. It just proves that conventional dieting is not going to work for you. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

October 9, 2003
I would think that as long as your journal shows your doing what you were told, the lack of weight loss would serve to PROVE you need the surgery. It would demonstrate the fact that diet doesn't work.
   — Renee B.