I'm with BCBS of Mississippi state and we have to participate in a six month weight management program also before receiving our surgery date. The way it works for me is for 3 months I'm assigned a life coach who with discuss healthier eating habits to get you on the right track. It's done over the phone and lasts about 30 mins. The next 3 months you will be assigned a Bariatric nurse who will walk you through preop and post op stuff. Also during the last 3 months you are getting everything u need done for surgery. Not hard at all. My husband is getting sleeved with me and we are hoping for the first of October.