Need Some Advice

Let me set the stage here. Long story but my insurance company is fine to approve my surgery. My employer is making me have a 6 month supervised diet. The catch is that no one told me that and they should've a long time ago so I'm appealing it. (but I started the diet anyway in case it doesn't work)

Ok, so I FINALLY got the appeal forms today and I need to fill them out. I've written just about everything you can imagine EXCEPT a letter like this. Obviously I need to try to keep the emotions under control so swearing is probably a bad idea, but any advice you guys and gals could pass along would be a HUGE help.

Thanks kids

I am so sorry that I can't be of more assistance to you ... I don't understand how your "employer" can make a demand that invoices your health.  Surely if the insurance has approved it then they are in agreement with you and your doctor that this is in your best interest.  My employer doesn't even know why I am out... just "surgery" is all they know... and that is all they need to know (just my opinion)  I mean... is your employer in the medical field?  I just don't see how they can step in and override a doctor and an insurance company.  Do they do this on any surgery?  No, you can't have a heart transplant, try doing cardio for six months first??????? 

There is a lady on the boards that has been denied several times and is writing appeals... she seems to have all her facts together and is quite knowledgeable.  Maybe you could contact her to see how you need to proceed?
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/teresajay/
Good luck and I hope it works out for you!

Thank you so much for your support  I'll definately check that out.

As far as my employer goes, I keep getting asked that question and so far the answer I get is yes, they can. I agree though that it seems really incredulous. I have missed work because of the issues my weight has caused (doctor's appointments, back and knee pain, etc). It would make sense that they'd want me to take care of this as soon as possible so I can be a good employee. Call me crazy

I thought about consulting an attourney that handles obesity descrimination cases but with the market the way it is, i'm afraid if an attourney got involved I could lose my job and wouldn't be able to find one.