Question:
Not sure if I will ever make it to point where my insurance approves me.

Well ive made to dieticain appt and the phych appt both wrote nice evaluation letters for me. am just worryed that I have not had any real doctor supervised diets only lots of advice. I have over 10years behind me in the dieting area. I could write a book on the pit falls od the diet fad trap. But it wouild just be anouther book on the shelf. do think all my years will be sufficant enough.    — sheri B. (posted on June 16, 2002)

June 16, 2002
It really all depends on your insurance company. Some people need very little diet history. Others need to prove it. My insurance approved me but I did have to send in paper work. Good Luck.
   — Sarah K.

June 16, 2002
I agree with Sarah. Your insurance company has your hands tied. Some require virtually nothing but a letter from the surgeon while others want to know everything possible about you and then some- and want it documented. It seems that the need to show doctor supervised diets is THE most difficult problem for those trying to have WLS (from what I see here on this site). But please don't let that discourage you. Contact your insurance company and ask them what they require that way you know what you are in for. I was told all I needed was paperwork from my surgeon, but I am afraid that is just too easy. Like you, I fear they will need that proof of supervised diets which I do not have yet I have been trying to lose weight since age 9. Hang in there!!! It's a bumpy road, but I am sure it's well worth it!
   — karmiausnic

June 16, 2002
I too have the same problem. I'm only 22 and the only time I went to the Dr.'s is if I was deathly ill. I was told to run to my PCP and start a diet right now. Go in every week for a weigh in, have it documented. Keep on this for 12 weeks. Hopefully thats all your insurance will need. 12 weeks seems like a long time, but you can do this while your waiting to meet your surgeon. Also, do you have any documentation on all the fad diets you have been on. Like receipts, pictures of you drinking a slim fast, you at weight watchers, maybe even a friends letter stating that they knew you when you were on so and so diet. Anything that you can get. Take a picture of all your diet books you've bought over the years. Take a picture of all your left over diet stuff. Pictures can speak a thousand words. Anything would help. Hope this helps.
   — Heather B.