I hate to tell you this, but BCBS of Alabama started paying in April - but you have to go through a 6 month physician monitored time period before they will even look at your case. I freaked out at first because I did NOT want to wait that long, but I'm almost there - hoping that my surgery will be in December and I'm sure I'll be asking you a lot of questions. I was going to self pay as well, because our policy said "NO WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY INCLUDED IN THIS POLICY" but they changed it - I am using this time to get my testing done, focus on chewing and rethinking my habits for when I do have the band in place. My next step is beginning an exercise routine - ugh!! Please keep us updated - and thank you