Don't give up appeal. I have BCBS and submitted my paperwork on October 28 2010, called them on the 29 of October and they said I was approved- was less than 72 hours. I was like wow. I'm 5'7 weigh 225 BMI just over 35 but I have diabetes.
Hi Tony I live in Palmetto just north of you. I submitted all my paper work on October 28 in the am. That afternoon the same day I was approved. I will be lap band on December 6 2010 with Dr. Scott Stevens in Sarasota. He is excellent, I was referred to him by one of his patients who was 278 and in 8 months was down to 166lb. So what ever you do- make the best decision.