3 years medically supervised?

"You have a documented history of failure to sustain weight loss with medically supervised dietary and conservative treatment for at least three years, including within two years before surgery." I've been under constant supervision by my doctor for 4.5 years due to co-morbidities, with appointments averaging every 3 months.  I have dieted, lost and then gained back several times during this period.  However, the diets were on my own (WW, magazine diets, etc).  So my doctors records show my up and down weight.  I can even go back to my previous doc and show that I lost 40 pounds right before moving and switching docs. Has anyone ever had 3 years as a requirement, seems like so long?   Has anyone ever had success just having regular doc appointments showing weight going up and down for the required period and it worked for approval? Thanks.