Question:
No weight or diet history documented with a doctor????
I currently am searching for a surgeon. I noticed that many surgeons or bariatric programs require a documented 5 year weight and/or diet history.....which I don't have. I just started to see a doctor about 2 months ago and she has diagnosed me with morbid obesity, hypertension, fatigue associated with obesity and edema in the legs caused by obesity. I have tried lots of diet/exercise programs over the years and have been considered obese for at least 10 years. I never went to a doctor before, because I considered myself to be a "healthy" obese person. The only proof that I have been morbidly obese for at least 5 years are about 10 "dated" photos of myself between the years of 1994-2002. I was wondering if anybody else has been approved by the surgeon or insurance co. to have the surgery with just "dated" photo's as proof of my weight???? I am approx 6'3" and weigh 430 lbs. Any help would be appreciated. — Roger C. (posted on August 7, 2003)
August 7, 2003
When I went fr my consult with the surgeon, the only information he had was
the registration paperwork that I filled out plus a copy of my sleep study
results which indicated I was suffering from severe sleep apnea. My surgeon
wrote a letter to the insurance that day and I was approved 10 days later.
There was no request for proof of diet history, psych eval or any of th
other "hoops" other people have had to jump through. I was
totally surprised that it was that easy! Barb Open RNY 4/07/03
235/168/126-130
— Barbara C.
August 7, 2003
Usually it's the insurance companies that require the diet history, not the
surgeon. My surgeon's concern was whether or not I had enough of a history
of diets, supervised diets, morbid obesity for 5+ years, etc. to be
approved by my insurance company.
— Carolyn M.
August 7, 2003
If you are not on a Dr. supervised diet, get on one right away. Many
insurance companies require proof of a supervised diet for a certain length
of time. You will have to determine your insurance company's requirements,
but it won't hurt to get started in case you can't get around this rule.
— Amber L.
August 7, 2003
Do get on a dr. supervised diet right away. Make sure the dr. writes in
the progress note what you are doing. And, go back and find receipts,
cancelled checks, bank statements, membership cards, prescriptions,
whatever you can to prove you've tried any kind of diet before.
— Southwest D.
August 7, 2003
It really depends on your insurance. Maybe you should call them and ask
what they require to approve surgery.
— mrsmyranow
August 7, 2003
usually it is the insurance not the surgeon that requires this and all the
ins. have different requirements.
— Delores S.
August 7, 2003
haven't you just been to the doctor in the last 10 years for other
non-weight issues. when you go to the doctor most times they weight you. if
you can get that info you can use that to show your weight in different
years.
— franbvan
August 8, 2003
I had Bc/Bs PPO and they approved me with NO comorbids and with out any
documentation ....I got approval in 4 days...I live in CA surgery is in 4
days!!
— E. V.
August 8, 2003
Hi Roger. I didn't have any physician supervised diets, wither. But I made
a comprehensive list of all the diets and OTC diet pills that I ever took.
I may have been off by a couple of months here and there, but it was a
pretty good list. My docs approved me right away, although they worried
that the ins co might not. I WAS approved and am scheduled for 9/17/03. I
think that the photos are a good idea. I hadn't had any taken in such a
long time (I was too embarrased about being photographed).
— Annie H.
December 16, 2003
this is my problem. insurance is $450.00 a month and i cant get what ineed.
i to have no history. i also have no bad problems such as high blood ect
just SEVER joint pain. so i droped the insurance im going to try to get the
money to self pay in mexico. its 1/2 price and just as good. only i have
bad credit and cant get a loan.
— q E.
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