Well who knows there are a lot of people who interpret that differently.  I would get the records and submit them anyways. You have nothing to lose by trying, and appealing the decision. I see no reason that it would make any difference where the physician is located to document your weight.  Unless you have only lived in your current state for just a month...   On the other hand I don't have insurance coverage for bariatrics and I paid out of pocket, it sure was nice not to jump through all the insurance hoops to get the surgery.  I'm assuming you have gotten some kind of medical certification... which choosing your place of employment for the insurance coverage would greatly benefit you.  Especially jobs with or funded by the city, county, state, or federal, or a large company.  These are the kind of places that will likely have the best bariatric coverage. Maybe your supervised weight loss will already apply to the new plan?   Good luck!

why exactly were you denied?

Since I have been a full time student the last 10 months I'm on IEHP/medi-cal, my primary care suggested I go through the process to get surgery and referred me to a nutritionist. The nutritionist did the 6 month assisted weight loss program and submitted his notes to the insurance company and my primary care sent the referral to see the surgeon. I was denied, I called the insurance company to appeal it. I then called the person in charge of referrals at my doctors office and she told me that basically she has only seen a handful of patients get approved. I've recently graduated and I have a state board exam next week and my school is now working to get me working as soon as possible. So now I'm wondering if I should bother trying to fight with IEHP or find some way of paying for it myself? If so I'm lost at where to start since really the only thing on my credit is my student loans. Any advice/help appreciated. thanks.

I have BCBS PPO and am in my second month of MD visits.

I know this is an older post but I was wondering if you were approved or if you are still in the process. 

I have a very similar case because I have been between 39-41 for over 3 years.  I only have 1 co-morbidity (HTN), but did not start taking meds until last year. My surgeon said that I have to provided documentation that it was present in the last 3 years.  I also have PCOS and have taken Metformin for a few years.  Hopefully this will get me approved... Fingers crossed.