Hi Beth,
I am so sorry your insurance company is being a pain in the pattuddie. I hate the word exclusion it bites. My insurance company was very good to me. There is a doctor in Birmingham and his name is Dr. Phillip Fischer. He considers those who do not have insurance and adjust his fees accordingly. I do not know about the hospital. My stay was Mon., Tues., and out on Wed. Dr. Fischer would probably be less expensive but be assured he is a very good surgeon and takes care of us WLS like children. Trust me on that one. You might want to give his office a ring.