I totally agree with you. The Lap-band and RNY were my only options at the time with insurance. VSG wasn't even mentioned in my pre-surgery consultation. I had read some information on it but, it was considered experimental so, I didn't give it much thought. My doctor does his best to steer everyone away from the band at this point. He has seen way too many complications.
Good luck with your insurance. It's too bad they make it so hard to navigate. Hopefully, they will realize that you are better off with the band out and the sleeve done.
Shelli