Questions

 Sorry to be so full of questions but I am. First of all another poster mentioned the mandatory weight loss. IS that common? I mean if we could just lose weight by sticking to a diet plan we would not be having this surgery?  Also I have acquired proof that I was a member at Curves for 4 months in 2006, a member of weigh****chers from 12/2000 to 5/2001, and also for a few months in 2003 at ww. I lost weight both times with ww but gained it back and then some. At Curves I ended up injuring my sciatic nerve and was out of work for a week with excrutiating pain. I had to stop going and got a note from my doctor to d/c the program. I would like to try it again after wls. Anyway are these things going to be helpful to the insurance company or does it have to be more recent. I have tried many at home things since then like Atkins, Weigh****chers and exercise but although I initially lose a few pounds my "hunger" always gets the better of me. I talked to a lady today who told me that it was a year wait for wls? Is that even true? I mean I know the process itself can take awhile but is there a "waiting list"? \ Thanks in advance for all you comments.

Most surgeons do require a mandatory weight loss.  But, depending on surgeon I guess, as long as you are showing that you are willing to try and stick to something, they may move you to the next step.  At Dr. Loggins, I had to write a month worth of daily food logs as well as show some weight loss.  I did not lose all that I was supposed, but the sent me to the next step any way.  It all depends on your insurance company on what you need to show for past trys at weight loss, but it sounds as though you have a good handle on it.  Sometimes having some documentation from past MD appointments with you weight documented will help as well.  But like I said, it sounds as though you have quite a bit of information. As for a waiting list, I started with Dr. L last October.  Then had surgery in April.  It ended up that I had to go for gall bladder surgery in January prior to WLS, so that set me back a little.  I know others that started in December, and had their surgery in April. Which MD are you looking at?

My doctor wanted us to lose 10% (for me, I was supposed to lose 25 lbs....it makes the surgery easier from a technical standpoint..easier to move and work around the liver because it shrinks with the weight loss).  I'm with you in feeling like IF I COULD lose weight, I WOULD..ha...but, knowing that there was a "light at the end of the tunnel", so to speak, I was able to stay motivated and lose that weight!  It WAS very hard...and I "cheated" from time to time, but I did it!  I think, as long as you show that you are trying....that's what our nut is looking for, I think.  Hunger always got the best of me too when I was trying to lose!  I'd do great for a while then...kabang....hunger, cravings, munchies, whatever you want to call it would set in and I'd gain it all back and then some!  It's a vicious cycle! Not sure about all your past documentation...I'm sure it can't hurt. Every doc and insurance is different, so bring it in with you when you have an appt and see what they say. 

From the time of my first consult with the surgeon, to actually having surgery took me just under 4 months.  I think my doc's waiting list is getting longer now, so it may take longer to get a date. But, at that first consult, Crystal, the manager, told me that if I was motivated and got the testing done quickly, that things could move along pretty quickly.  I think the average is about 3-6 months, unless your insurance requires a 6 month supervised diet or something.  Different docs, I'm sure have different reqirements and waiting lists. It's soooo worth it though...even with the ups and downs and waiting....I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!   Good luck....hope you get the info you are looking for!  Keep us posted!

Thanks for the prompt replies. I am going to be referred to Dr Loggins too. I know this sounds stupid but if I lose 10% and then I am under 40 BMI does that matter? I wont be going for awhile as I am waiting to see my pcp the end of July for a physical and we are going to discuss it then and she will make the referral then.

It probably depends on if you have any co-morbidities and your insurance guidelines.  Sorry I can't help more, but they are all soo different!  I would definitely get a starting weight documented and some measurements ( I waited until I had already started losing to take measurements and now I regret having waited)  If you do start trying to lose, document everything, keep a food and exercise log...Corinne will love it! Good luck!

I believe that Dr. Loggins office uses the BMI from your first visit.  I had asked the same question.  So if you BMI is 40 or higher on your first visit with them, then you will be ok.  Also, 35 to 40 BMI with co morbidities qualify you as well. Hope this helps!

I am almost certain they use your consult weight. I was under 40 bmi by the time I had my surgery.

Dito what these girls said.  I also managed to  loose 17 lbs. instead of 23 and was still approved.  I had a hard time, lost slow, didn't exercise like I should.  I was able to use WW weight charts for my insurance and they accepted that, so keep those all in hand.  Best of Luck.  If you need help with the diet and support you'll find it here.  Lots of girls here alot successful, some not so much like me.  What surgery you looking into??

Depends on the doc! Loggins wants the 10% and then the doc in Augusta stated flat out in the seminar that if you could loose the 10% you wouldn't be here for surgery! What a concept! Some offices have a fee while others don't, and that fee is not covered by insurance but can be claimed on taxes as medical....  if you are having siatica then go to a chiro, works wonders when that nerve is pinched!!! 

yes, Dr. Loggins likes 10% but other dr. put their patients on a 2 week liquid diet pre op.  SO think about it??? at least when your trying to loose the 10% you can still eat food.  Dr. Loggins is very safe and causious, best around.  you will love him and his staff.