Cigna COBRA? Should I try this?

Hey everyone; Well as it stands right now, my hubby has a new job that will be with UHC starting Jan 1, 2004 and it may or may not be excluded~Dont know that yet. I also have an option at my job starting Jan 1st for Aetna or Cigna~Also dont know if there is an exclusion with either of those. My question is this.... I have the option of taking Cigna Cobra insurance from my hubby's OLD employer and with them I was in the middle of my 26 week diet and would have applied for approval RIGHT before 2004... (I have heard some nasty rumors about several insurance companies totally excluding WLS from their policies come 2004 due to the popularity and EFFECTIVENESS of this surgery). Has anyone gotten approved with Cobra for this surgery? I am willing to pay for the cost that I would have plus the amount to have the Cobra as it is still LESS than the $19k self pay that I am fearing. Please, if anyone has any experience with this or knows where I can get more info ON this Cobra and if it is covered, let me know.... I fear when 2004 comes around, ALOT of us will be in for a rude awakening!! :o( Thanks! ~Judith~