Hi everyone, this is my first post. I have been considering WLS for a while. I was going to get the gastric balloon but then I did some research and don't thinks it's a good option. Anywho I called my insurance yesterday (United healthcare) my bmi is 35.1 with high cholesterol and I meet my employers 2 yr employment requirement. So they approved me to go to the next step which is speaking with a nurse scheduled for today. They also said I need to participate in a 6 mos diet. So questions.... I have been on weight watchers - unsuccessfully- actually been paying for a membership I can prove since May) will this qualify for the 6 mos supervised diet? What is the goal of the diet? If I do the diet and drop my weight I'll drop under 35 BMI but even if I lose weight I'll probably gain it back like I have on every diet I've ever done. I can also prove I was on ideal protein for over 6 months in the past 2 yrs. will these count? Lastly I quit smoking but I Vape. What is the smoking concern. Thanks everyone for your advice in advance.

The six month requirement for UHC is to show that you have adhered to a program and been unsuccessful. Is your WW online or have you been going to meetings? I don't think the online qualifies as you don't get the components in online that you do in meetings. I don't know anything ideal Protein, so I can't help you there, except to say that what UHC is looking for in a program is structure, behavior modification, nutrition information, etc.

35.1 IS low BMI to qualify for insurance pay. I wouldn't want to go below that during your six months.

As for the vaping, nicotine really gets in the way of healing. If you are nicotine-free, that will help you.

Good luck!

Good luck!

That balloon is terrible...it provides very transient benefits and is higher maintenance than the lap-band. Somebody posted a video of it not too long ago and the animation was horrifying. Good call.

Here is a link to UHC's policy for coverage of bariatric surgery. I hope it's helpful.

https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII/UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf/Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/UnitedHealthcare%20Medicare%20Coverage/Hidden/Obesity_Bariatric_Surgery.pdf