Please note the following from BCBS requirements.  It says consective months - do not miss one month or you may need to start over.  You know, I would lose 2 or 3 pounds and gain it back through out the the year.

• You must have documented active participation in a comprehensive, non-surgical weight reduction program (for example, the BCBSTX weight management program) for at least 12 consecutive months during the 24 months before the date you apply for surgery

I used my PCP.  I went to him once a month and I was paying that copay monthly.  I had a form that I had made up (from information I got when I was researching),  and I had him to complete it each time. I tried to get in 18 to 20 days each month but sometime there was problems where they were not open or I just could not make there.   It was never at the end of the month.  (I hope I am not too confusing.  I did this for thirteen months - so that there would not be a problem with the number of months.

This form was titled Diet and Exercise Program Progress Note.  I had the following information: Patient is following a ____ kcal/day diet; Patient is participating in the following exercise regimen:____; (walking, swimming, Curves, Yoga, Aerobics, Gym membership, Vitals  Height__ Weight__  HR__ BP__; Changes in wiehgt since last visit___pounds (Lost, Gained, No change); Continue to follow a: ____ kcal/day diet, Other____; Continue to exercise:____;
Other:______

My specialist had a format but it was so simple that I chose not to use.   I just put together the form that worked for me.

 I hope this helps a little. 

Hey guys great news I finished my 12 months and  turned in the required information to the speciaist on January 16, 2012.  On  Feb 13th had to re-submit weight history for 2008.  For some reason they did not get it.    On March 7th I called BCBS for a status report and there was still a question regrarding what was re-submitted, so I contacted the PCP and got a copy of one of my visit in 2008 and faxed it to BCBS.  Called  BCBS on March 26, 2012  and the guy on the other end said "APPROVED' for ghe gastric bypass surgery.  :)    The happiest thing I have heard in a long time.  By the time I got home that day the approval letter was in the mail.  Let me tell you have been trying to get this procedure done for maybe nine years.  Yes,  they do approve you and  all I can say is have all your ducks in a row.  Now I pray the other tests leading the surgery are ok.

 Good Luck in your journey.

I have learned the hard way that the 6 month diet isnt really an attempt to lose weight, it is a chance to start making those life altering changes you need to be successful.  The place I am going through for my surgery was shocked that over the 6 months my primary doctor and I didnt use the time to its fullest.  We were focused on small steps and the other place normally takes big steps.  Stop smoking, stop drinking, exercise regularly, start counting your carbs, take a daily vitamin that is worth taking, stop drinking at meals, start chewing 50 times per bite... things like that are what they had in mind.  At least we got the excercise and carb counting parts down.  If you lose weight, great, but as long as your making the life changes you need you are doing wonderful.  Of course the insurance wants to see exercise and food goals, current weight, and anything else your doctor wants to note for each visit.  For the insurance companies it really is just a way to weed out those who are not fully committed.

 
If you are going to appeal it be sure to include the ASMBS study showing that these 6+ month pre op diets are of no use.  You can find it at the ASMBS website.