I have BCBS of WNY and am scheduled for surgery on Aug 24th at Buffalo General. I started my process by seeing a Dr. (P.A) at a satellite office in Mayville in Feb. I was told to follow the South Beach Diet and to write down everything I ate. I saw the PA once again in March and then I didn't see anyone until I saw the Surgeon on July 11th. I asked the surgeon if he thought that would fufill the ins. companies 6 mos. diet stipulation and he said that there would be no problem because of the "paper trail" I had recorded while following the South Beach Diet. Hope that helps.