In shock

Glad you have figured out a way around it... I would consider making a phone call to Lindstrom Obesity (they advertise on this site from time to time) Walt is a post-op 20+ years, I served with him on the Obesity Action Coalition Board, good guy, attorney who specializes in insurance battles for WLS and plastics... http://wlsappeals.com/ he does free consults so worth the call at least... and if there is he may be able to recover your Cobra $$ spent, etc. 

Either way... I wish you the best... it was the greatest gift I ever gave myself and worth every $$$$$! (self paid out of the country, when I had insurance issues, didn't know Walt then darnit.)