Ok, I recently completed my first interview with a bariatric specialist for my insurance. I am insured with UHC choice. They asked me my ht, wt, and about possible comorbities. I do not have any diagnosed comorbities, but my bmi is riding along 40. I told them my approximate weight which is 10 lbs shy of the 40 bmi that I need. I added the 10 lbs for the sake of the phone call. In the mean time, I am working to make that 10 lbs appear. I have an appointment with my PCP in 2 weeks. I was assigned a caseworker to aid in the process. They informed me that I had to complete 6 consecutive months of a diet plan. She stated that I had to meet with either my pcp, dietician or nutritionist and they have to document my weight and diet at least once a month. I am very excited to have started the process, I'm sure the next 6 months will breeze by, but I wish I was getting sleeved like next month????

I also had UHC for my surgery although my employer did not have the 6 month diet requirement. I don't know if it will be same for you but I had to attend a bariatric surgery information session, attend at least one support group meeting, get a mental health evaluation, and meet with the surgeon, nutritionist, insurance representative, etc. When all was said and done it was a good 6 months before I actually had the surgery but let me tell you it was well worth it. I wish I would have done this years ago. I know the waiting is terrible but hang in there, follow any rules they set forth and really get yourself committed to a new lifestyle.

It has been almost 7 months since my surgery and I have lost 85 pounds. I have stopped blood pressure meds, my sleep apnea is gone and I just feel so much better overall. I wish you well and hope it goes great for you too.

Thank you so much for the support. I cannot wait until surgery day:)

if you're looking for a way to have the 10 pound appear drink lots of soda

that's what I did

That's what I need, I guess... I'm super close to the necessary weight

I just had my gastric sleeve surgery on July 20. Yes I also have United Healthcare and was assigned a case manager as well. I'll be honest I'm not exactly sure what the purpose of it is but it does make the approval process a lot smoother and quicker especially if you keep the case manager updated and every appointment you have. I emailed my case manager once a month with any appointments I had or upcoming as well as my current weight.I felt doing so helped. In fact after complete in the six months review and talking to the case manager I got approved 2 days after.

I'm waiting for him to contact me, they said it would be less than 2 weeks. I will be sure to keep in close contact with him and update him as well. Thank you much. If you think of any thing going forward that can possibly help please advise because I would like to get approved the 1st time around:)

Chris, we have the exact same b-day! I knew u were cool!!!????

I'm waiting for him to contact me, they said it would be less than 2 weeks. I will be sure to keep in close contact with him and update him as well. Thank you much. If you think of any thing going forward that can possibly help please advise because I would like to get approved the 1st time around:)

Anytime ???? and really ur bday is Feb 4 too? NICE!!!

I have heard about people using weight on their ankles for weight ins to make that few extra pounds appear without actually gaining...

What if they ask me to undress for a "true weigh in"?

I guess it depends on ur surgeon Office procedures. They already know the reason you coming to their office so they will definitely weigh you so they can have accurate measurements for the insurance company. My office made me take off everything except for my underwear when stepping on the scale for the first time

Edited July 28, 201511 yr by Chris-NYC

Hmm I guess I didn't think of that. At my surgeons office we leave on everything, even our shoes

Yea my office only allow us to keep our cloths on after the first initial weigh-in.

Forgot to mention that they did give us a hospital gown so it wasn't a weird feeling stepping on the scale. But it could just be my office requirements who knows, I'm pretty sure most only had to take off their shoes. Either way I wouldn't worry I'm sure a few pounds wouldn't make a big difference getting approve

Edited July 28, 201511 yr by Chris-NYC

I never had to undress to weigh-in. I guess I can see why they might do that, but I would have felt incredibly self-conscious myself. We all have such different experiences!

Good luck to you!