I personally didn't have a problem with United Healthcare. It's going to be up to your employer (if it's through your employer) what your policy covers. My company included WLS as covered 100% as long as certain guidelines were met. It was a pretty low hurdle....BMI 35+ with co-morbidity; BMI 40+ w/o, along with a 5 day notice prior to the procedure. Once the dr. office submitted the request, they came back with an additional request of 5 years weight/height history, but that was all they wanted. Took about 2 weeks, but I got the approval letter in the mail this last Tuesday. Now I'm just waiting to hear back from the dr office as to the next steps. Call your member # on the back of your card and ask for care coordination and see if your policy covers it.

I don't have any answers for any of your other questions, but if you're curious about the dr, go to your primary and ask him/her their thoughts. The surgeon I'm using was recommended by my primary and I trust my primary to the ends of the earth. Go visit the surgeon. Ask what their record is. Complications that have happened, how many surgeries they have performed. Go to a support group that is hosted by their office (if they have one) and get opinions of current and past patients.

Best thing you can keep doing is asking questions, and not stress. Take as long as you need, and get all the answers you need to put yourself at ease with your decision.

Hope this helps just a little bit.

I too had UHC and with your comorbidities you should not have a problem. I did not have any and went round and round w them but it was my drs office fault as well. Good Luck Big Byrd!!