Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs in NJ now offered by New Jersey Lap Band Surgeons NJ

April 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Once you have decided to have weight loss (bariatric) surgery in New Jersey, you may have come into a slight bump in the road - You may need to participate in a Medically Supervised Weight Loss program for 6 MONTHS or more! Visit http://www.njbariatricsurgeons.com/getting-started/medically-supervised-weight-loss-program-nj.html to read more.

Does your insurance company require a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program prior to Bariatric Surgery?

Please realize that NOT ALL insurance companies or policies require a medically supervised weight loss program prior to Bariatric Surgery in New Jersey, but there are some that may. The following insurance companies may require the medically supervised weight loss program prior to bariatric surgery:

   * Blue Cross Blue Shield
   * Aetna
   * Cigna
   * United Healthcare
   * Beechstreet
   * PHCS
   * Coresource
   * IDA

What is a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program?

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs provide weight loss treatment in a clinical setting. Most insurances require this treatment to be with a licensed healthcare professional, such as a medical doctor, nurse, registered dietician and/or a psychologist. These programs typically offer services such as nutrition education, physical activity, and behavioral therapy prior to Lap Band Surgery NJ, Gastric Bypass Surgery NJ  or New Jersey Bariatric Surgery.

Why do you need a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program?

Many insurance companies will not consider a request for weight loss surgery in NJ 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.

The next question that comes to mind is usually:
Does my health insurance cover Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs?

Many insurance companies will reimburse a participating provider for medically supervised weight loss programs. In most cases, the patient will be responsible for any co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible that may apply to their specific policy.

Where can you go for a Medically Supervised Weight Loss program?

Patients who are required to undergo a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program prior to Bariatric Surgery are recommended to schedule the program with us. Our practice offers a comprehensive curriculum of diet, exercise, and behavior modification in a classroom setting.

General areas of discussion include:

   * Healthy food choices
   * How to maintain a food diary
   * How to accurately read a nutrition label
   * Counting calories
   * Food substitutions
   * Lifestyle changes
   * General exercise guidelines
   * Different weight loss surgery options
   * AND much more...

In addition to diet and exercise discussion, every patient who is enrolled in a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program will have their height, weight, BMI, and vital signs measured and recorded. The healthcare professional conducting the class will generate a progress note with the results after each visit. The progress notes will be submitted to your insurance company after completion of the program in order to achieve insurance approval for your surgery.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris, offers comprehensive care for the “morbidly obese” patient before and after weight loss surgery. Our staff consists of a team of professionals who are experts in their respective fields – medicine, nursing, nutrition, psychology and surgery. This team works together to provide patients with the best medical care, while also helping patients achieve lifestyle and weight loss goals.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons have performed over 6,000 NJ Gastric Bypass, NJ Lap Band, NJ Realize Band, and other bariatric procedures. For more information, please http://www.NjBariatricSurgeons.com

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Drs. Abkin, Bertha, and Iannace of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris, lead a practice dedicated to minimally invasive weight loss surgery specializing in Realize Band, Lap Band, Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery in New Jersey.