NicoleW8ing

Hey all-- I am a LONG time reader, first time poster. This community answered many questions I was afraid to ask my doctor regarding my lap band, and I want to thank you all right now for just being so helpful and communicative. I am 23. Right now, I am 5'8" and around 350 *gasp* I finished my Pre-Op work up through Dr. Moran in Raleigh, NC, for those of you that are familiar. Saw the cardiologist, the nutritionist, the psychiatrist, got the blood gas, the chest xray, the blood work. I am good to go! They set my surgery date for March 19. Now, my Doctor is telling me that Blue Cross Blue Shield will deny me for lap band as my BMI is greater than 50 and only approve me for gastric bypass. I am horrified beyond comprehension of gastric bypass and am literally panicking here thinking about the remote possibility of it. I was very comfortable with lap band. Has anyone had a similar situation with Blue Cross Blue Shield? Other insurance providers? Has anyone had success or failure with an appeals process with insurance for these reasons? Has anyone been so scared of gastric bypass they'd rather eat celery sticks for the rest of their life than move on to a normal, satisfying but controlled life with lap band? Gah.... any help, experience, or advice is appreciated. Thanks people, and have a great day. :tongue2: