Getting individual health insurance after surgery

Has anyone had the experience of trying to get insured following surgery? I did a very dumb thing and declined COBRA coverage after I left the VA, thinking I could do much better with an individual plan. Meanwhile, I tried applying for plans with Humana, BCBS, and United, and they all denied me. By the time I got all the denials, it was too late for me to request COBRA. Never in a million years would I have imagined that I could be denied health insurance because I've had WLS, something that's supposed to make me healthier and, in theory, a better candidate for health insurance. Right now, I have an indemnity plan (yuck) with a $5000 deductible (double-yuck). Basically, I'm paying premiums for zero benefits. The only reason I'm carrying this plan is so that I don't have gaps in my coverage, and if anything really major happens (God forbid!), I'll be covered. Have any of you tried getting private insurance after surgery? Was anyone willing to insure you? Thanks a million for any advice you can give!

Sorry, I can't help you. This does make me realize how ignorant these insurance companies are. First, they deny people when it is obvious this will decrease the amount they have to pay for individuals once they lose the weight and get off all or most meds. Then they deny someone for having a life saving surgery. Go figure!!!!! I know for a fact that my insurance company has paid out a whole lot less since my surgery in December. I am talking lots of money on medicine alone and I have only been to my PCP once since December where prior to that it was once a month at least.