Tips for an appeal?

Hi All,  I'm meeting with the dept. head of the Bariatric Center today *again* to put together an appeal for my recent denial. I have a new letter from my PCP with more supporting facts, and we're also going to include some medical journals that have proven the successes of WLS. I've gotten some great links on OH for articles, etc. Do you have any tips for an appeal? Such as something else to mention, or list? My BMI is around 44 and I am 23 years old. I have severely high blood pressure that is controlled by two daily medicines. I also have PCOS, fertility problems and take daily medicine for depression.  We are going to write a letter to the insurance company as well (the dept. head mentioned this, I'm not sure what it entails just yet). I'm just so scared. I have BCBS of Iowa and I feel that if this appeal is denied then I'm done for good.   Should I go to past doctors and ask them to write some kind of letter documenting my weight history? I never really discussed weight loss with any other doctors but I do have a paper trail of weigh ins dating back to March of 2002. I have been seeing my current doctor since March of 2007 so the insurance company is giving me a hard time about not trying to lose weight for long enough.

*sigh*

Thanks for your help!