What documentation of previous diets do you need?

I am about a month out from starting the WLS process (due to new insurance/marriage). I heard that most insurance and surgeons want proof of prior weight loss attempts. What "proof" do they need. Moreless just all the diets/eating plans you tried? Would it go smoother if I would try something like WW online until surgery? Any input would be very helpful. Thanks!
Kris

My plan required documented 6 months of weight loss attempts. I used WW weekly weigh in registars. Then I also had to complete a 3 month multi-disiplinary doctor supervised diet that included meeting with a nutritionist as well. I have Aneta. This is the documentation I had to have when submitting for approval. I also noted the other attempts I made, but the paperwork is what they needed.

Thanks for the info on what you needed. I think I am going to join ww online and get going. I have had a number of ww stents (among other things tried)...but I think if I join again now before I start the wls process, i can have a "fresh" attempt and be able to submit that. I will have Anthem, and think they will require the same as yours did. I just want it to be a smooth process- and hopefully not have to wait a whole 6 months to have the surgery. I am soooo anxious to start my journey to a healthier living.

My insurance didn't ask for any proof of past years weight loss attempts. I just told them the type of diet I did, how much I lost, and the time periods for each. This was only done during my physc evaluation. I needed 5 years of weight loss attempts to qualify but nothing was validated. I did however have to do the 6 month plan with a dietitian but that was no biggy

I am hoping that is the case with me too...just telling them the types of diets I tried. I have been overweight most of my life, so that shouldn't be too hard . I guess I am just anxious to get on with it and don't want to wait 6 months before surgery. I know it is a good thing to do that because you really go through a process of how life will be, but dang it- I wanna be on the losing side of this journey. (I am practicing "patience"- I really am)

I was just like you but I took advantage of those 6 months and actually lost a lot of weight doing it. As you can see from my ticker I am not too far from goal and only had surgery about 2 months ago. i am actually lower than my ticker says but dont update it every day... I will be updating it on sunday though :).  I lost a lot of weight during those 6 months so take it all in and work the plan.. You can do it... :) 

GOOD LUCK!!!

What if you lose too much during that 6 months to qualify for the surgery?? (then I guess you don't need it- right? lol)

My insurance didn't specify that you had to have monthly weigh-ins, just 6 months of supervised "medically managed" weight loss. Early on I called to verify and found out that they 'meant' you had to see a physician or nutritionist every month for 6 months and have it documented! So it took me 8 months to get my 6 months worth of documentation - BUT - it was well worth it! I spent my time researching diets and the whole VSG process and learning from everyone on here. Now my surgery is 1 month away and I know it'll be here before I know it. I've lost 25 lbs in the process and have a much better outlook and peace of mind that I didn't have 6 months ago. I KNOW I can do it now, 6 months ago I wouldn't have been ready for all the changes in my lifestyle that would've happened all at once. I've been able to gradually cut out things from my diet one at a time and never really felt like I was losing a whole lot if that makes any sense. Good luck and don't stress the time frame - it'll all work out for you as it's meant to be and if that means 6 months then use your time wisely and you'll be in a much better place when the surgery does happen! 

Thanks Gale. That totally makes sense. I have to be patient and go with the process and not want to rush through it. I know I will learn so much from things we go through before hand. I want to be ready for my whole new life that awaits me. -25lbs...great job! Thanks so much for sharing. It really helps knowing what others go through. I learn soooo much on these boards.

I had to do a written history of weight loss attempts, for the WLS program, to submit to the insurance co.