6 months supervised diet

I have United HealthCare and they are requiring me to be on a 6 months supervised diet before they will approve my surgery. Is there anyone out there that had to do this? I've been told it's a somewhat normal request but it sounds like it's a catch-22 situation. If I can lose the weight, why do I need the surgery - if I can't lose the weight, will the surgery even be effective? Should I just follow the Dr's orders and see what happens? Does anyone have any advice for me on this situation? Thanks, Kari

M sister has UHC with her work in southern IN and did not have to do the 6 monther thing. She just had to have a BMI of a certain number. It must be part of their new requirements of maybe is in the policy rules for where you are covered. Is it with your work? Chris

Hello Kari, I am currently going through my 6 month supervised diet. I have 2 months left. Most ins. companies in Illinois required a supervised diet. I know that is seems stupid. Meaning if I can loose the weight by dieting I wouldn't need the surgery. The reason why they have you do the diet is that they want to see an attempt at loosing weight with a doctor supervising. I have so far lost 12lbs. But this past month has been a bad month. I was sick for a week and I my back went out for another week. Not much moving for those 2 weeks. Anyways I will get back on track for the rest of my weeks. I would say follow the doctors orders and see him or her every month. The ins. company likes to see that. Hope all goes well! Kelly

Hi Kari, I too was required to do a 6 month supervised diet. I'm nearly there. I've only lost a few pounds though. I'm in Geneva! Any chance you are going to UIC? I'd love to hear from you. -Susan