Question:
Was anyone required to see a nutritionist for 6 months for a WLS referral?
I have Blue Shield of California HMO (Sante) and have been told because of the "Sante" part of my insurance, I have to see a nutritionist for 6 months before I'm even considered for surgery? Help! Any suggestions? — goddesschyyld (posted on January 7, 2005)
January 7, 2005
Hello Kristine,
I am 12 weeks post-op and I also have "Santee" through
PacifiCare. I had to attend a 6 month course with the nutritionist also.
In the beginning I felt the same way that you are feeling. When surgery
time came I was thankful for the requirement! I lost 10% of my body weight
and therefor, my liver had shrank which made for less complications during
surgery. It helped me to get my "MIND SET" so to say, and to
help get ready for the huge lifestyle change. I am grateful today for all
of the pre-requirements and I really wish that everyone was required to
meet with the nutritionist before surgery. Good luck to you and feel free
to write anytime! My email is destrielea@hotmail. com. Take care!
Destrie
— DestrieLea
January 7, 2005
I have BC/BS Preferred care in Alabama but their requirements are similar.
I have to have 6 months care with my primary care that will include weigh
ins and such. I wanted to get started much sooner but even if I have to
wait a year I know that it will be a small price to pay to be healthy and
in the "normal" world :)
Tryna
— Tryna J.
January 8, 2005
I have Blue Shield of California also (different group though). I
actually called Blue Shield and was told they don't have that requirement,
but they defer all approvals for wls to your Dr's group. So if the group
says 6 mos, they agree with that. I was also told I would have to have 6
mos of butrional classes. I asked my PCP's assistant if we could get it
w/out and she said we could try but doubted it. Well I was approved for
the nuritional classes, signed up, and took 1st 2 (within that time I wrote
a letter to my PCP and Blue Shile and my pcp re-submitted...I got my
referral and am now scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. All-in-all it has
been just at 2 months for me. I am not saying your group will let you get
away with that, I wouldn't want you to get your hopes up...a lot of people
have to do the 6 month thing...but if you want to try the letter is always
a plus...it can't hurt...if you want to email me with any questions...
[email protected] ...I am available. GOOD LUCK in your quest! and I
hope this helped some.
— Laura G.
January 10, 2005
I have Aetna insurance. I needed to see a nutrionist for 6 months before
they would even consider me.
— Lori L
January 10, 2005
In Alabama everyone who has BCBS is now required to have 6 consecutive
months of physician supervised weight loss before they will be considered
for surgery. While it initially frustrated me on behalf of the patients I
work with, I actually now feel that even though it's "just another
diet" it can be good to have that time to get educated and mentally
prepare yourself for post op WLS life. The more education the better. It
just might be possible that with really good education preoperatively there
won't be so many fears and concerns and cases of regain postoperatively.
Just a thought.
— ronascott
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