UHC 6 month diet/My Experience

I'm writing this because maybe it might help someone.  You REALLY have to be your own advocate.

When I first started this journey I was told by my physician's office that my particular UHC (united healthcare) plan required me to do a 6 month Supervised diet.  I had already known the criteria prior to even going to the surgeon's.  Actually, I called roughly 3 times and each time the rep told me "either a structured diet for 6 months with a physician and/OR weigh****chers, jenny craig".  The coordinator insisited that the reps don't know what they're talking about etc etc.  I went home and called them probably another 6 times and eachtime had them read me the qualifications.  Each time they ALL said the same clause.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, I had my weigh in book from WW (8months worth) and asked the coordintor to please just submit the case and we'll see what they say.  Well, I was APPROVED!  

Make sure you check with your insurance and don't always go by what the dr's office says, sometimes they don't know.

I agree. I have UHC, too, and I am submitting w/o the 6 month thing. I was denied initailly, but am currently on appeal. I will have my decision in 2 days (4/18).

I had a breast reduction last year that I had covered by my insurance. My doctor's office said I wouldn't get approved because UHC requires 3 months of physical therapy. Well I said I would like to go ahead and submit w/o it. I was approved after 2 days.

So, I agree w pp, you have to be your own advocate. You have do all your own research and be agressive sometimes.

ETA: I GOT APPROVED!!! Just found out tonight ;)

SO just more evidence that you don't need to do the 6 month (IMO waste of time) supervised diet.

Congrats on being your own advocate and a successful surgery!
I too have UHC and just attended my 1st seminar last night. I am looking to get the gastric sleeve. I was told I needed to have at least 5 yrs of tried attemps of losing weight. I cant remember all the doctors and dieticians from early age of 12! So, with your story, I am hopeful that if I show them I went to WW for a year back in 2009-2010, attempted phentamine and anything else, maybe like you, I will get approved!   ??? I hope. Thanks for your story!