Question:
Cigna requires me to be on a medically supervised diet

I went to my first day of a medically supervised diet, which is required by my insurance Cigna to be approved for wls. I am suppose to be on 5 shakes a day and lose at least 15 lbs a month. Rapid weight loss program. I know I will lose the weight , because all I will have is liquid, but I know in reality I will of course gain it back , no one can or at least I know I won't be able to live that way long term. I am scared that if I lose the weight that quickly by the time the 26 weeks is up my insurance will see the weight loss as great and not see ahead that I will gain it back when that time is over. This cost me $88 per week for the shakes, insurance pays for blood work and ekg that the program does during diet. I also go to a nutritionist which is the other medically supervised program I have to have for 26 weeks. Does anyone have advise that may help? I know how insurance companies don't want to pay for wls so this is a worry for me.    — taterbug898 (posted on April 19, 2004)

April 20, 2004
Hi Melinda, My insurance was also with Cigna and I know the requirements. My PCP sent Cigna a letter stating over the course of a year I had tried dieting and had lost some weight but no significant amount, only to gain it back. My surgeon sent Cigna a letter telling them I would get the nutrional consultation I needed, which is basically how you will need to eat post-op. The only other thing I had to get was the physch. evaluation. I was approved. Are they the ones who suggested you do the liguid diet? I did the same diet Oprah Winfrey did about 11 years ago which was liguid and lost 65lbs and gained it back,plus some. I do not see the purpose other than losing some weight before surgery. My beginning weight was 334lbs. I am 8 months post op and have lost 116lbs. I wish you the ver best and if you need any help or more questions feel free to e-mail me. God Bless!
   — cindylou56