I also have UHC buy up plan.....first the Dr must be at a center for excellence or they will not cover the lap band......The hardest part for me was the 6 months working with a nutritionist .....6months is like forever.....I went to DR Thomas Brown in Denver Co. thru pres/St Lukes......they found out all the insurance info for me and if I would be excepted.....they did some nutrition evals, psych evals.....but I have to produce 2 years of my weights, not a problem, letter from my primary care, nutrition classes one a month for 6 months. BMI over 40 or 35 and over with comorbitities , All in all it was very pleasant there, the staff is wonderful........I thought the 6 months would kill me but it is half thru...I used the time to work on the hardest of my addictions, candy ,diet sodas ,sugar......I'm excited beyond words, Thanks for this forum., Where I can see the results If you use this tool properly......the ups and downs are important to know so I know I'm not alone and the bad days will pass........hugs Laura