I have almost the exact same story as you!  I have been obese for years but did not have recent medical documentation.  I wrote a letter explaining the lack of current medical weight documentation (basically that I had not been sick since my son was born in 2009, my husband lost his job so insurance changes  and a move had me just putting off regular preventative exams, etc)  My plan states that I need documentation of "at least 2 years of persistent obesity"  so we provided medical records from my pregnancy in 2009 showing that I was, indeed, obese back then.  I stated several times in the letter I wrote that I had "at least" two years of obesity...I had more like 15 years!  I was approved.  I'm having surgery in January.  I hope this helps your spirits.  Good luck!

I am confused about the UHC guidelines for approval. If my BMI is 49.9 and the minimum is 40. The contingency is a 6 month monitored diet plan. My question is can that "diet" be monitored before the process is started with the surgeon or can it be prior to that visit. I am concerned that I will have to wait 6 months. I have tried to lose weight for over a year and it seems counterproductive to make patients wait longer.  Does anyone have any experience with Insurance guidelines?

I have had a lapband for 10+ years. I have never had any luck with losing any weight with it and the past 3 years it has been very painful due to scar tissue building around it. I have 3 years of visiting my Primary care dr with stomach pain, chest pain, and reflux. Spent thousands on tests and office visits + EGD and barium swallows trying to figure out why the band hurts so bad. No slip, no erosion, just hurts like a madman. I now weigh exactly what I did when I got the band with a BMI of 35. I have insulin resistance (but not diabetes yet) high blood pressure, reflux, sleep disorders, hypo thyroid issues, serious depression, shortness of breath, and very high triglycerides. All of these conditions require 7 expensive meds a day plus therapy and counseling for the depression. My primary care dr. has written letters to CIGNA practically begging them to revise from band to sleeve. My surgeon, who put the original band in, has asked for the okay to revise. Yesterday Cigna reaffirmed their decision to deny based on (are you ready for this) #1 There has been no evidence that there has been a mechanical failure of the band and #2 Weight loss surgery is experimental for the treatment of diabetes. I DONT HAVE DIABETES AND THE DR NEVER SAID THE BAND HAD A MECHANICAL FAILURE. I only have until the end of the year and then my husbands insurance changes to where we will no longer have WLS coverage. At this point I would love advice and recommendations for which Dallas area doctors can get fast new patient appointments and most important who has the best, most experienced insurance approval staff? I am so frustrated with this. Badly need help very soon.

Congratulations!!!!!  We're both November sleevers!  I just found out yesterday I was approved as well--11/20th is surgery date but had to start pre-op diet already.  Good luck on your surgery, 

Lisa