required to take weight-loss drug?!

I was recently denied because my ins co requires that I have a full trial of Orlistat (Xenical) or another physician-recommended weight-loss medication. Did anyone else have this requirement? My surgeon's office told me that mine was the first they have ever had require that.

We have BCBS for railroad employees, and it states in their blurb about WLS that a prescribed drug must be used at least once without success. I do not know which insurance you have, but I called BCBS and they sent me their whole section on what is covered and what is considered "investigational". I have been pouring over all of that to get my ducks in a row before I have my consult with Dr. Anthone. You may be able to have your insurance company send you their specific requirments as well.