I was a bit confused when I called my own insurance company on what they needed or wanted. So, what I did was contacted the place I wanted to do my WLS- they set up everything for me, helped me get all the paperwork for the insurance company, set up all the appointments I needed before I would be approved, got all my paperwork together and sent it to my insurance company. They did it all for me and in less than 2 months I am approved and will set surgery date on this wed.  so perhaps that would help if you had professional WLS place assist you.

I have UHC Insurance in Oregon through my employer. I started this less than two months ago, I had a lot of hoops to jump through for my Surgeon,(I had to see a Cardiologist, Therapist, Nutritionist, Endocrinologists, and sleep study)   but my insurance only required 5 years paper work showing that I have been heavy for the past 5 years.   I was approved this past Friday and on Wed I set up my surgery date. I am so sorry you are having so much trouble with the insurance company. I just don't understand how UHC has so many different rules depending on state and employer that the health plan is under. Seems same insurance company would have the same rules.

Hi All,

I have Aetna insurance and am planning on attempting to get approval for VSG. My only issue is that I do not have the 2 year MEDICAL record of my BMI. After I had my son in 2009, I did not have a medical record of my weight until February of this year. I was a slacker and didn't see my PCP and I didn't get sick at all and need to see a Dr. Since February of this year, I have seen the Dr a LOT, as well as a cardiologist, etc. I was just wondering if anyone has had experience with getting around this requirement or if there is anything I can provide in lieu of a medical record. For example, in 2012, I started a weight loss blog online and I actually posted photos of the scale while I was standing on it which clearly shows my weight during the year 2012. And of course I could provide photographs, although that too seems like it may be a stretch. I plan on asking my PCP for a letter of medical necessity to explain that I have been morbidly obese for the entire time I have been her patient (over 10 yrs), but I don't know if that is enough.

I don't have any records from urgent care, WW, a gym or anything like that. My personal blog and photos are really all I have to document my weight during the year 2012 (which is the year I need to meet the 2 yr requirement). I know I can just put off having the surgery for another year but I probably won't be with the same employer in a year and my husbands insurance doesn't cover WLS so I feel like this is my only chance.

What do you guys think? Is it worth submitting this information and seeing what they say? Has anyone ever heard of a success story using other means of documentation? Am I just out of luck? Any advice??

Thanks!