Anthem BCBS Indiana- supervised diet requirement?

I requested the info on requirements for surgery and the sent me a paper version of this: http://www.anthem.com/ca/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053 317.htm

I am confused by this part: "The individual must have actively participated in non-surgical methods of weight reduction; these efforts must be fully appraised by the physician requesting authorization for surgery"

I called and inquired about it and all they keep saying is "talk to your doctor", " We're not doctors so we can't tell you" , etc. Is it sayng I need to do a supervised diet or simply show satisfactorily that I have made a concerted effort to get my weight under control with or without doctor supervision?? 

I have been told that I have to be referred to see a specialist but my PCP's office won't refer me unless I meet the criteria for surgery so who is the one "appraising" my diet efforts? My PCP or the surgeon? I have an appt to see my PCP and discuss all this next week, but I am driving myself batty trying to figure it out. I am ok with it if I need to do a supervised diet but I just need to know.

Any info would be much appreciated!! oh and FYI this isn't through employment so I don't believe there are any "riders" on the policy that would add to there basic requirements.

That would be something like Jenny Craig, WW, regular appointments with a Nut, regular appts with your MD to weigh you, membership to a gym with proof that you actually went, TOPS, any of those.  Just some effort on your part to lose weight without jumping to surgery first. 

In addition to that I would also write a very business level letter without emotion and just facts listing all the fad diets you have tried.  Cabbage soup diet, Atkins, all of them.  Just write a WL history and combine that with something showing poof such as your Jenny Craig receipts and you should be good to go.

Just in case I have started a 6 month supervised diet with my PCP I also have a membership to anytime fitness and go at least 3x a week. but just recently started... how do I go about getting that proof? Do I have to tell them what I need it for? I kinda feel like its none of their business, you know?

Have the gym stamp something or sign it.  Keep a running log, tell them you have a bet with a friend on who will go to the gym the most.  Tell them it is for tax purposes, it doesn't matter.

Make sure your doctor DOCUMENTS monthly that s/he weighed you AND you discussed diet and exercise.

He has had other patients do their supervised diet with him so I think he knows, but I will let him know just to be sure :) I will start a log today. I am still early enough out that I believe I can recall everything :) Thank you!