I have completed all my pre-op testing and found out this week that I was denied because UHC is requiring that I submit documentation of a six-month supervised diet. When I called prior to beginning this process UHC told me the only requirement is a five year weight history and eligible BMI. I submitted more than five years history and my current BMI is 50. I am soooo very discouraged. I have yoyo dieted all my life and I'm truly ready to make the commitment. But I feel the lapband is they key to loosing and maintaining weight loss. Has anyone else been required by UHC to do the six-month diet? Any suggestions? I feel like this is just a way for UHC to prolong my agony!! Thanks for listening. I'm open for suggestions!

SO sorry to hear this.... I have UHC and yes, the 6 month diet is required for me. I am on month two. I started my diet before I even seen my surgeon.. I can't believe they didn't tell you that initially! Did your surgeon's office not check your requirements?? My advice is to do the 6 month diet and try for approval. The time does go by pretty quick..

My doctors office did check me benefits and UHC neglected to tell them about the 6 month requirement too. Thanks for the advice. I did schedule a visit with my PCP next week. I'm just afraid that if I loose any weight during the six months they will rule that I don't need the lapband. Have you lost any while on the diet?

There is a guy on here that goes by btriegr, I think he lost 90lbs on the 6 month diet and was just banded. The time will go by so fast, I started back in October and March 4th was my last visit. You have alot of test to complete prior to surgery so the 6 months will give you time to get it done. Good luck on your journey:thumbup:

I've already completed all the testing. I thought surgery was about two or three weeks awayn the UHC denied saying the six month is requiured. Thus the disappointment. But it is very encouraging to hear someone was approved after having weight loss on the six month diet. Thanks for the reply!

As long as you don't go under a 40 BMI, I would say your in the clear... No, I actually gained a pound my last weigh in :frown:

I really need to kick it gear.

I don't have UHC, but I appealed my company's 6 month requirement with past Weight Watchers records and personal diet journal entries.

The National Istitutes of Health's 1991 Consensus on Bariatric Surgery does not stipulate that a person follow a 6 month program to be a candidate for WLS.

I won the appeal.

Best wishes.