Most airline tickets are discounted based on how far in advance you buy them. 2 weeks prior your ticket, with the advance purchase discount, was $120. Now that you want to change it closer to the departure date it is like starting over with a new ticket but applying the value of the original ticket as a credit. I'm guessing the $350 quote you were given to change the ticket included the $150 change fee so $200 of that is additional fare for the difference of what you paid to the fare for that same ticket purchased now. I know there were extenuating circumstances with the surgery but if the airlines only charged the change fee then everyone with tentative travel plans would simply purchase the discounted fare a few weeks out then change to the desired dates closer in.
To answer your question about what will happen to the seat you bought if they sell it, it will sell for the going fare which will be at least $320 or possibly more.
If you find a cheaper ticket on another airline or website, you can use the $120 you paid for your ticket for another ticket on AA up to one year from the date you purchased that ticket. Just be sure to cancel the reservation.
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