Was feeling so excited and happy about the chance to take control of my weight.. requested an appointment for an initial consult.. then in today's mail I received a Summary of Benefits for 2013 from my insurance provider... United Healthcare... and it specifically said Bariatric Surgery was not covered. I was broken-hearted! I can't do this out of pocket!

My question is: Even though they say its not covered, should I go ahead and try to get approval? Is it worth the trouble and more heartache?

If they say its not covered, is that the bottom line - its just not covered?

Has anyone gained approval despite the insurance company initially stating they didn't cover it?

Thanks!!

Yes, I contacted my HR department and they made an exception after my local manager pushed for it for me.

I am almost 8 months post op 3-21-12 and down 198 lbs so far and feeling GREAT.

Keep trying no matter what they tell you

I also have UHC Choice Plus PPO. When I reviewed my benefits online, it actually didn't say anything about bariatric surgery, so I called them directly and they were the ones that told me it was covered... Have you tried calling UHC direct (the number on the back of your insurance card)??

Thanks, y'all. With a BMI of 67, I'm at wit's end as to how to get this weight off. I'd been waffling about surgery for a couple years but when I'd finally felt confident and good about my decision, it hurt to have my hand slapped by those words "not covered".

Bronxbubbles, I have not called them yet .. thanks for the suggestion! I'll do that later today. I'm also going to see if the clinic I'm going through can get an exception or something ... I have a medical need (morbid obesity) and I want to get the weight down before I have OTHER complications!

Thanks for the advice .. I won't give up hope yet! In the meantime, I'm going to have to think up a backup plan ... I can't stand living the way I am right now!