Am I "insurable" after VSG

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I have an opportunity to take early retirement with my company at the end of this year (I will be 55). In am considering all my options. If I try to get insurance on the open market, will I be insurable? Or, do insurance companies automatically deny post-VSG patients that want INDIVIDUAL coverage (not group)? I have the option now for insurance either through the company's retirement option or through COBRA, but I am looking ahead over the next 10 years until I reach 65. I wouldn't bet the company will be in existence in 10 years, so my insurance will probably go "poof" at some point. If I jump back into another corporate job, I could get insured with them, but the job market is tough for 55 year olds. My next job will likely be a contract (no benifits) one.

If anyone has any experience with this, let me know.

Thanks.