Can't get insurance after wls?

 I had lap band surgery, self-pay, a little over four years ago.  I moved out of state, and need to get new insurance.  We currently have BCBS of AL, and they only cover if we are in the state.  We can transfer the policy to BCBS of FL, but for some reason, our premiums will jump by a third to keep basically the same policy (which, of course, excludes anything related to the lap band, since I was self-pay).  We inquired about getting an entirely new policy, which would actually cost less, but they said I cannot get a new policy until I am five years out from surgery, without complications.  The only "complications" I have had were port replacement for cosmetic reasons (old style port was visible and replaced with low-profile port), and gall bladder removal.  I don't know if either of those will impact my ability to get insurance after my five year anniversary in Sept. '11.  

Has anyone else had trouble getting health insurance after weight loss surgery?  How did you handle it?  

 
Oh yeah!  Medical and life ins are almost impossible to get for a few years after WLS.

The port was not a complication, don't even tell them about it.  Gallbladder surgery could have been necessary without WLS, I wouldn't permit them to call that a complication either.

 Well, on the "plus" side, it looks like it's going to be just as difficult for my son and hubby, since they are both obese :-(  

I may have to opt for a "real" job, just to get insurance (hubby is self-employed, thus the insurance issue!)

Can I just say that the insurance industry sucks balls?  There, said it anyway.  It doesn't matter that we've paid thousands and thousands of dollars with few claims, since we're all basically healthy.  Our premium for family coverage is over $1000/mo. with high deductibles, and we can't switch to new insurance because a) Two family members are obese; and b) I had surgery to *not* be obese.  

Tami

 
Maybe not.  I believe starting 1/1/11 each state has to come up with high risk ins for people like us and it's supposed to be affordable.  Likely it won't cover much but it's better than nothing.  I know absolutely nothing about this but there is a lady asking about it on the insurance board.  She is looking to see if her state ins (not medicaid) will cover WLS.  She might have more info for you.