i just got off the phone with a rep of my insurance. Plus I had him fax me everything he had on the precert. I have found out that I have to be on a medical supervised diet for a year or more preceding the surgery. :faint:

My BMI is well over 40, diabetic, lower back pain, joint pains. I wondering if anyone has any experience with this insurance and how strick they are about being on diet for a year. I don't want to wait a year to get this done.

my hubby has bcbs of minnesota. I can't answer your question about the diet for the year, but they have been excellent about paying for my fills and follow up care. They cover what my dakotacare policy won't, which is about everything weight related. Best of luck!

I also have BCBS of MN and was just banded last month. The one year weight loss program is documented in multiple ways:

1. Your personal letter to BCBS-MN stating your weight loss attempts, failures and why this procedure will really help you.
   
2. Your physicians referral letter (either from your PCP or the lap band doc)
   
3. In the paperwork that you fill out to be considered for the surgery.

The one year doesn't have to be last year. The point is that you have tried to lose weight and programs like Weight Watchers count as "supervised".