Called my insurance this morning...

Bad news. The insurance is effective right away and there is no way around it. They told me that every company operates differently and this was their policy. So I am **** out of luck as far as that goes. I tried every loop hole and nothing. I was even given false hope a couple of times and waited for returning phone calls to only break my heart even more. I was told by the secretary at the main office that she believes that they raised the price from $318 to $570 to get people to change their planbecause this one is costing them too much. You would think there would be some kind of exception for closely pending surgeries and procedures. But its all about money to them they would rather push my expensive surgery on to someone else even though I have put to years worth of money into BCBS without barely even using it. I have decided that I am keeping my insurance and finding a way to pay that much more. It's all about making more sacrifices to give me a longer, happier and healthier life. All I am worried about is keeping my date for the 14th, getting it done and worrying about the rest as it comes. I'm not letting anything or anyone take away from me what I worked so hard for. I am having this surgery!! Thank you so much for everyones concern and support. I really, really appreciate it. So the final line is I am still on for September 14th to be the day of my REBIRTH!!!

Angela, I've found that my grocery bill has gone way down since I've had the surgery. This might be one area where you will save money. Write down a budget and then keep a journal of where all the money is spent and I bet you'll be able to find the extra money for insurance without too much trouble. I'm glad you decided to keep the insurance and go for the surgery. Next year at this time, you'll be able to say it was very worth it - and then switch companies! Also, sometimes the insurance plan gets reopened for some reason during the year, keep your ears open and if that happens after your surgery, switch.

Yes I will be making sure to keep a close eye on that I can will be switching right away.

You might try and call the Michigan Insurance Commissioner in Lansing, MI. You might be able to keep your old insurance for a short time. Explain what you have gone thru to get the surgery and how the new insurance will not honor the old one, especially since you have a date. Can't guarantee this will work, but it's worth the try!

Angela... I am soo sorry that I was not correct.. I was SO hopping I was right. BUGGERS! However CONGRATULATIONS to you for putting your health first! You will not regret doing this.... Someone else said it and i will second it... my grocery bills are WAY down, as is my dinning out bills. So even though it will not completely cover the difference I bet it will help some.... We're all here ROOTING for you!!!! Best Wishes! ~ Erin

Hi Angela, I am so sorry that things didn't work out as you would have liked. I read your first post and I was praying for you. I am happy to hear that you are going ahead with your surgery, you are determined and that will help you be successful in your weight loss journey! And like everyone else said your grocery bill will go WAYYYYY down. I have saved so much money just by not eating at fast food everyday. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery and keep us updated. God Bless, Kathy

I would strongly suggest really looking at your budget and cutting out everything you can. First, cancel cable--you will be too busy exercising to watch TV, cancel your cellphone, change high speed internet to dial up (yeah it sucks, but it is only one year). Next, look at what you spend on food. My husband and I found that we saved hundreds of dollars every month just by eating at home and cutting out the unnecessary food purchases i.e. chips, pop and the likes. Have a garage sale-get rid of everything you can, it is amazing how much money is sitting around our houses. Make a pledge to spend the minimum this holiday season. Surely friends and family will understand. Finally, remember that these changes are only necessary for the next year. My husband and I put on a large addition to our house and had our kitchen redone. Than meant serious belt tightening for me. I have always been good with money, but boy do I hate being on a budget. But when I get down about it, I look at my beautiful new family room and kitchen and know it was worth it. Your health is much more valuable than a house. Good luck.

BTW-Good luck with the surgery itself. I am confident that you will do well considering all that you have gone through to get to this point.