mercy care requirements

I am just beginning my weight loss surgery journey. I have mercy care and I have to do a six month food journal. Does anyone know of easy diets I could do that have a lot of food choices? Also I'M worried I won't get approved for lap band. My Dr says I meet the requirements but I'm just stressed they won't approve me. Anybody else have lap band through mercy care?

I don't know about Mercy Care and I know you have to chose whatever is best for you, but have you researched any of the other WLS options?

I don't have Mercy Care, but from my experience, the insurance company just wants you to jump through this hoop.  During my "waiting period" I actually gained two lbs.  My doctor told me that if I could have lost weight on my own I would have and wouldn't need the surgery. I was approved without any issues or questions. My recommendation is to just do everything your insurance company requires you to do, but don't get overly stressed out about it. Good luck. 

I have not really thought about other wls. I am going to do everything they ask, I don't want to risk not getting approved. I am just sick of being overweight, I am so miserable. I wish I could get the surgery tomorrow

Hi, I'm just going to post on one of your questions - the one referring to an "easy diet".  There is no diet that's easy.  And whatever WLS option you choose, life after WLS won't be easy diet-wise.  So I'm just going to suggest a little change in your thinking - look beyond the 6 months and start to set yourself up for your fantastic future!

Sandie

Just some advice from someone who has been there, please investigate all the main 4 surgeries available The DS, RNY, VSG and lapband. I found the lapband did in no way help me lose weight, the little I lost was strictly my own work. The band didn't reduce my appetite or help me feel full sooner as I was told. Now we are finding after 2-4 yrs out people are developing serious and even life threatening problems so please don't go into this thinking the band is the least harmful or that it is safer than other surgeries.

I'm near the end of the approval process with Mercy Care and I can't stress enough that you MUST show weight loss during your 6 month diet, even just a little each month.  Also, even when you are done keep going to see your doctor monthly until you get approved.  They decided I hadn't made enough progress during the 6 month and since I missed a month with my doctor I had to start all over!

As for the diet I noticed I really started to see a steady loss when I made sure to eat a very high protein low cal meal right after getting up.  It really helped me eat fewer calories through out the day.

Good luck!

What doctor did you go to for the surgery? I'm having a hard time finding someone? I am just starting the process, went and saw my family doctor but she was no help and seemed like she didn't want to help me.

www.bannerhealth.com/Locations/Arizona/Banner+Gateway+Medica l+Center/Programs+and+Services/Banner+Gateway_Bariatric_Cent er/About+our+program.htm

I had my surgery at Banner Gateway through their Bariatric Center.  My surgeon was Rob Schuster.  I can't say enough good things about the hospital, the staff and of course Dr. Schuster.  I suggest keeping a notebook with copies of all your own paperwork and schedule and working closely with Banner's insurance liason.

Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions!

I switched to him recently, and though I am not approved by my insurance yet, I am very hopeful. he is a great Doctor, and the program looks so complete, so promising. I should know in a few weeks if I will be approved or denied. About how long after the approval comes in do they actually have you on the table for surgery?