There is a good chance you will be required to take part in a medically supervised weight loss program. What does this mean? You will probably have to take part in a total weight loss program that will include, exercise, diet, and/or medication. Some insurances require this to be supervised by a physician other than your surgeon. The purpose of this is to show that the patient is dedicated to a change in their lifestyle. It also actually makes the surgery easier if you are able to lose weight.
The more weight you lose prior to surgery can drastically make the surgery easier, quicker and safer. Your liver can shrink in just a week or two of a strict low calorie diet. Follow your surgeons advice about diet before weight loss surgery.
Many insurance companies will not consider a request for weight loss surgery unless a patient has previously participated in a medically supervised weight loss program. This type of weight loss program includes diet, exercise, or medication for weight loss which is monitored by a doctor. The purpose of this requirement is to show a patient’s efforts at weight loss and that the patient is willing to make the necessary dietary and behavioral changes for bariatric surgery.
A good medically supervised weight loss program will monitor the following:
- Blood Pressure
- Heart Rate
- Sugar Levels
- Activity Levels
- Blood Work
- Medication Levels
Recent studies show that medically supervised weight loss programs can lead to better weight loss than unsupervised programs. Strict diets are typically agreed upon with a nutritionist. These diets are typically either low calorie or very low calorie depending on your doctor’s recommendation.