I have United Healthcare and I went for my first consult today, I have to go to some nutrition classes and get some testing done. Since I'm 37 with no medical issues don't have to get to a BMI of 40 to get the surgery? I hate to gain anymore weight!

UHC is pretty strict. Of course, each plan is different, but their general requirement is BMI of 35 or over with TWO co-morbidities, or a BMI of 40.

I have United, started with a BMI of 37, and my surgery was denied at the last minute (literally, two days before surgery) because my doctor had submitted my co-morbidities as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They were looking for "uncontrolled" high blood pressure. I had to get a copy of my last years BP readings from my PCP, fax to the surgeon, and he requested an immediate appeal. Luckily, he went to bat for me, and they over-turned their ruling the day before surgery - - 5 minutes before the cut-off for cancelling (the OR requested 24 hour notice). I was SO thankful for my surgeon, and so frustrated with UHC, but they all came through for me.

They are pretty particular, but if you have a good WLS Coordinator to help with the insurance "stuff" you should be okay. The good thing was, they were fast. The whole process took me 9 weeks - would have taken only 7 1/2 but I had strep throat and had to cancel my pre-op appt with the surgeon.

Good luck to you!

Now what about past weight records? I haven't been morbidly obese for that long?