Should I even bother with Insurance?

I am seriously considering lap band surgery. I called my insurance and at first they said it was covered, then they said no it was not. I have researched how to fight them, (UGH!) problem is there is no doctor within my network of coverage that does lap band. Has anyone got approval for lap band with an out of network surgeon? Or should I just save myself the headache and self pay? My PCP already said she would recomend the surgery for me as she has worked with me for three years trying to get the weight off, (65 lbs, but lots more to go). Any advice or success stories? I have and individual PPO plan with Pacificare.

Absolutely in my opinion, however if you have the money to spare it would be less headache but a lot more money. Insurance can be a pain but they can save you a lot of money. Personally I didnt have an issue with insurance but I have heard that appeals work. Also if they approve the surgery but there isnt a dr. within your network sometimes they will make an exception if the procedure is deamed medically necessary to have it done out of network at the in network coverage level. I work with insurance a little and know that it has happened with other procedures. Good luck! Tara