I had BCBS IL too and it took me from Oct 06 until Sept 07 to get everything done and get approved. I had the help of two wonderful lawyers though after I got denied the first time, and after one appeal letter from them I got approved. It didn't even cost anything. I was banded on 11-06-07. BCBSIL is a real pain though. I know how it feels to get those letters telling you that your missing something or that you don't have enough documentation proving that you were obese for 5 years. It's hard to get discouraged, but just keep your head up.