Is a supervised diet required?

Do you have to have a supervised diet before your insurance will consider approving you for weight loss surgery? I am trying to find out how many there are of us out there. Beth M

I had to have two supervised diets to satisfy my insurance company; One had to be in the last two years. I went to a weight loss clinic every month and worked with the ARNP to word my physicans notes to include all the requirements for my insurance company. I did manage to lose some weight while doing this but it was minimal. I have CIGNA insurance, they are not covering this surgery any longer so I am glad I did not wait any longer to have my surgery.. Hope this helps you somehow.

I had to have a doctor-supervised weight loss program for at least 6 months before they would consider the surgery. Luckily, I had almost 2 years of attempts with my primary care doc. Dorita

I have United Health Care Choice Plus (American Airlines) and I didn't have to do anything. I went to the consultation they sent the letter on Tues or Wed I called insurance on Thursday morning and they said oh yes we already sent the approval. So I'm not sure if it was approved in 1 or 2 days but it was fast!! The only requirement was 40 BMI or higher. Every insurance company is different some make you jump through hoops. Good luck. Janice