Question:
Can I switch insurance after doing the 6 month diet

Hello all! I'm new here and I have been looking into WLS for awhile now.. Im 24 years old BMI of 47.7, Gerd, back pain, and sleep apena.. I have 2 questions... 1st i'm currently on Medical Assistance until Feb 2010 then will be going to Highmark BC/BS ( which does cover!!)But, can i start the 6 month diet with my PCP with the insurance I have now and than switch it when im able too??? 2nd.. Since I'm only 24 am i gonna have a hard time getting approved?    — Nikki S. (posted on May 27, 2009)

May 27, 2009
If you've verified the Medical Policy of the forthcoming insurance company there should be no reason why you can't switch. Your age has nothing to do with approval unless you are a minor (under 18). BCBS most likely will require a 6-month, supervised diet plan because a lot of their policies do. Call them & ask them to provide you a list of the exact criteria required for WLS; that way you could be basically done by the time you get the new coverage. I would continue on with the 6-mo diet plan you are doing now if it fits the new insurance co's criteria. It is essential to get yourself educated on proper post-op nutrition and behavior modifications (at least my 6-mo plan included this info) before surgery. Please know RNY surgery is not a magic bullet, you still have to work at it thru diet and exercise to keep it off. The surgery just helps you with portion control but eventually your pouch stretches a little over time so your food choices have to be good. You will have to be cognizant of what you are eating the rest of your life if you want to be successful and maintain that weight loss. That's the behavior modification portion required from you. Surgery operates on the stomach & intestines only; not the brain. But as you will read here on these blogs those with the right mindset toward their health are doing it every day and living fulfilling, happy lives free of their morbid obesity. Good luck to you!
   — Arkin10

May 27, 2009
Hi there! I am also 24 and had LapBand done on 4.15.09. I didn't have any problems getting approved, and they approved me right away of course with all of the required steps [6month diet, paperwork, etc.] because my BMI was over 40. I don't have any other issues like the sleep apena or anything. I don't think you'll have a problem if you switch your insurance as long as your PCP keeps record of your 6 months, but do make sure you do 6 continuous months without skipping, I did almost run into a problem with that. I would suggest calling the new insurance company your going to be getting and asking them as well if that will take the 6month diet from your other plan. I wish you all the best! Keep me posted and let me know if you need anything else =) Deana =)
   — lapsurg415