BCBS Options insurance - DS approval for those @ 40BMI?

I definitely have a realistic approach; I have no illusions as to how much insurance companies stink, and I won't be at all surprised to be turned down.  I know that I don't want the other procedures, so I'm either going to have to try and fight it, or self pay. If I self pay, it'll take me years to get the money, as I don't make much and don't have a spouse to help out.  Though, I'm not entirely sure how much of a difference this makes, but my insurance is actually self-funded by my local gov't job, and it's only managed by BCBSNC.  That might be in my favor, I'm not sure.  That, and someone pointed out that Medicare and Medicaid pay for the surgery - I work for Social Services, I wonder if I can use to my advantage that we pay for our clients and not our workers.

I have BCBS and was denied because I'm not a 50 BMI, I'm around 42. 

I decided I don't want to spend years fighting, and I don't want a RNY, so I'm doing a self-pay with Dr. Gagner of Miami Beach, FL.

There is one doctor here in Charlotte who does the DS, Dr. Voellinger. His self-pay is 35K. Dr. Gagner's self-pay rate is 18K -- and he's the one who taught Dr. V how to perform the DS. 

Feel free to send me a message if you want more info.