TMoore

I am a 49 year old female who has battled weight all of my adult life.  I've been on every type diet known to man, along with diet medication.  Currently my BMI is around 37.  Maybe that doesn't sound that high but unless I stay on diet meds, it will go up more as it has done in the past.  I have no desire to live on meds and I want to make the lifestyle change that will help me achieve my goal of getting to a healthy weight and maintaining that weight.  I want my "yoyo" weight years behind me.  I also have undergone extensive back surgery in recent years and my weight is a constant problem with my recurring back pain.  When I am a lighter weight, my back is significantly better.
I have made the decision to have the lapband surgery done. I've been seeing my PCP (primary care physician) for several months now and she has recommended a surgeon that is nearby where I live and near my PCP.  My most current obstacle in my quest to  have this surgery is my insurance company.  Although this surgeon AND the facility that he practices in is "in-network", my insurance company tells me that the facility isn't considered a "bariatric center of excellence" even though it is a "center of excellence" in many other areas and my PCP is within this facility.  I see my PCP on a regular basis and my insurance covers each visit, but they say that for this particular procedure it won't be considered "in-network".  They are recommending that I see a surgeon that I will have to drive approximately 100 miles one way to get to. I can't imagine this is reasonable and I know that I cannot miss as much work at my office as it will require having to drive such a far distance before the surgery, not to mention my post op visits.
I was wondering if others have run up against this same brick wall that I am facing.  Without my insurance coverage, I will be unable to afford the surgery.  Any suggestions???  I am desperate!!