To all of you who are still experiencing the delays and frustrations of insurance companies and dr. visits, etc. Hang in there! I finally had my surgery on May 19, 2008 and I am so glad I stuck to my resolve through all the the preliminaries. I have now lost 50 pounds and feel so much better. My mobility is improving little by little and three months out now I can really see a difference. I can't say that post op was a breeze, but it gets better quickly. Aside from some anxiety caused by my inability to eat anything and everything I want, I am doing great.
Stick it out through all the pre-surgery requirements. I think you will be happy in the long run.