Question:
How frequently do I need to weigh in?

I am currently on a Dr. supervised diet as part of the requirement for AETNA. How often do I need to weigh in to make them happy? Also, he prescribed Xenical, and told me to try and see how I do with it, but it gives me terrible cramping, regardless of what I eat. Will it hurt my chances for approval if I choose not to take the meds? thanks Chris    — Chris B. (posted on August 31, 2003)

August 31, 2003
I will probably get bashed for this suggestion. However, how will your doctor know if you are actually taking the meds? Just fill the prescription and don't take them. That way, your insurance will see that you have had them filled. As far as the weigh-in frequency, that is something I would double-check with Aetna. I wouldn't want them to come back later and say you didn't meet the requirement because you weren't weighed frequently enough. Then you would have to start all over. Shelley
   — Shelley.

August 31, 2003
Honestly if they made me sick I wouldn't take them either....lol
   — Saxbyd

August 31, 2003
I agree that you need to call Aetna and do everything they ask you to do including how often you're supposed to weigh in. That way there won't be an opportunity for delays or denial. You can ask if Aetna wants you to take the meds, or if it's just an idea of the doctor. If it's just the doctor, then you can tell him it's making you feel bad and you don't intend to take anymore. I'm guessing it won't be a problem. I'm not going to flame anyone for making a suggestion, but I do want to warn you that if you're prescribed something that's supposed to promote weight loss and you instead gain, then it's not unreasonable for the insurance agency and/or the doctor to know you're not telling the truth. Might not be something you want them to think at the beginning of an attempt to get an approval. I'm just saying be careful is all. Happy holiday to everyone. S
   — sherry hedgecock

August 31, 2003
Hi, Chris: I would think that weekly weighing would be sufficient; your doctor shouldn't charge an office fee for you to just go in and weigh and have it noted on your chart. As far as the Xenical goes, I would tell your doctor that it is causing horrible cramping and that you just can't tolerate it; make sure he notes that in your chart as well. Make sure he knows that you are not just discontinuing it because you don't want to take it, but that it truly causes pain. I know Xenical causes cramping and diarrhea, that's the reason my doctor wouldn't prescribe it for me; I already have IBS and spastic colon. Perhaps he could try you on Meridia instead, if you haven't already tried it. I wish you the best of luck with this!
   — Moysa B.

August 31, 2003
Also verify with Aetna that as part of the doctor supervised diet that they do not require dietician/nutritional consults on a regular basis and proof of an exercise program. I know nothing about Aetna's requirements but when I got BC/BS to pay for Redux back in 1996 they wanted a comprehensive diet plan. So I had to be followed at least monthly by my internist and I was referred to a dietician to develop an eating plan and saw her weekly and my doctor had to map out what he expected for exercise. I did not have to prove the exercise one way or another but they required that all of this info be in the letter from my internist when he requested coverage of the drug. Because I qualified as MO my insurance would cover it. They even approved a 2nd 6 months, but I quit due to causing other problems. <p>I just would not want you to go through all this only for them to find some loop hole. Are you aware that you can apply for approval now before your diet attempt is up as long as you complete it before surgery occurs. I just read that in another Q&A the other day. At least it helps to get surgery sooner. Good Luck and I hope you get approval with no hassles. <p>I refer to my sentence on Xenical as the nightmare from he!!. 2 months was all I could take. No matter how much or little fat I ate I had problems and the stench in the bathroom for hours after I went was enough to knock me out. I much prefer things the way they are now. Like the others said though, get it documented that you are having problems.
   — zoedogcbr

August 31, 2003
I too am on the 6mo Dr diet supervised and I was told to have 6mo of chart notes of me dieting and weigh in and excersieing..so I go in once a month around the same time and get a check in..a weight and talk about what i'm doing..also did you have your dietian yet? that was another big thing they asked about..just make sure your q's and p's are in check..so there's no denial on your part..remember also..you can get preapproval now before your 6mo is up...yeahhh!!! good luck!!!
   — por2geegurl