I live in Atlanta and have UHC as insurance carrier. I had to have the hosp workup, psych, and dietian but no one has said anything about a 6mo pre surgery diet. I have ordered the protein that is recommended and am going to start using that and another pre-surgery diet before my surgery on 9/26/08. If that is too much to handle or I can lose 1-2lbs weekly I may cancel the surgery.