BCBS pers state of ND
I helped my brother in law with his BCBSND, and he was a HMO where he had to designate his heath care location in advance. ND required that the surgery be done at a center of excellence. I found his policy was less restrictive than BCBSIL. I don't think you'll have problems, but make sure you know the Policy beforehand. You can get it off the BCBSND website. Here's a link: http://bbthor.bcbsnd.com/Bulletins/Blue_Cross_Blue_Shield_ND_Medical_Policy/Bariatric_Surg
ery.htm