seminar over!

Sorry, but what is the NUT?  Nutritionist?

Yep.

Interesting that they said that most insurance requires a 6 month diet plan....if your BMI is high enough most insurance companies dont require it. I would def check with your insurance company to find out their prerequisites for the WLSs. Which insurance company do you have?

Wow, sounds like you didn't have a very good experience and were quite disappointed.  I got insurance approval in November, after an appeal letter.  Then they scheduled me for a psych eval which I passed. Now I have an orientation/education class to go to downtown from 9:30 - 3:30 on March 10th.  I don't know how long after that I'll get to meet my surgeon.  I've got HAP insurance and have to go through Henry Ford.  I've read up on my surgeon and done a lot of research.  Hopefully everything will go smoothly for you.  Beaumont is a great hospital and have top notch surgeons.

When I went to my seminar I knew I wanted to have that surgeon.  I wasn't thrilled with a lot of the office staff at first but after meeting my doc I knew he was the man I wanted cutting me.  There did seem to be some change over at the office (including my doc who's now on the west side of the state).  I felt comfortable with the nurses and dieticians there but just didn't get good vibes for awhile.  It's important to feel comfortable with the clinic and especially your surgeon.  The office seems to have stabilized with some great people now and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Maybe somebody who works/worked in office can fill me on this but I would think you should have an opportunity to hear/talk to a surgeon -- especially with the economy the way it is.  Even the hospitals and surgeons are hurting.
Good luck and try other clinics/surgeons too.  There are lots of good places, but not everyone so do your research!
--Sax

update:  I just spoke with a wonderful and helpful lady at our insurance company.  BC/BS of Texas.  She confirmed that I have to have the 6 month diet documendation, and it has to be within 24 mths.   Along with 2 co-mormidities and 5 years of being obese documented history which is a BMI greater than 40.  (no problem there).
I also have a $1,000.00 deductable, then after that, a 10% copay with a cap at $2,000.00.   so, it will cost me no more than $3,800 for the total of everything.  That's good news, I thought it might be more...

Im not discouraged.  That's good!!  In fact, Im happy to be finding out all this now...wouldn't want it to come up later after I have had the tests and the insurance kicks me back out..
I have an appt with my PCP on Tuesday to talk with him about everything.  Maybe he can help me with the 6 mth thing.  that way it won't take so long..   I'm so excited!