Question:
How do I obtain 5 yr weight history, if I don't have one.

I was just informed by the doctors office with whom I would like to have my surgery that Aetna REQUIRES a 5 year medical history treatment of obseity. I don't have that, though I have been on every diet known to man, and though I did go through the Phen/Fen program that was in another city and state, and I don't remember who the doctor was that treated me. Can anyone offer any suggestions on how I can get a document 5 year medical history.... Signed, DESPERATE    — Roberto S. (posted on July 16, 2002)

July 16, 2002
Robert, Have you been treated by any doctors within the last five years? If so, ask for copies of your records - anything that documents your weight. Also, if you have photos of yourself over the last five years, that might help. Most of us are in the same position. . .morbidly obese for so many years, and have tried everything, but few of us every received 'treatment' from our doctors. I am in the same position with my insurance, and I am submitting all my medical records from every doctor I have been to, because they all document my weight. Most of all, write a letter to the insurance company detailing all of your diets, how much you lost, gained back, etc. It's a tough road, but I know it will be worth it in the end! Good luck to you. Ginger
   — Ginger N.

July 17, 2002
Hi! I did not have a documented medically supervised diet history. What I was able to do was get records of my weight, from my PCP, and then I typed up my own list of every single diet I had tried/been on since I became overweight. I added how much I had lost, and what I gained back, after the dieting was over with. This way, my insurance company had a document of my weight, and then an accounting of how I was battling to keep it off. I was approved after the first letter. Hope this helps you! Best of luck!
   — Dawn M.