I have been fighting with my doctor's office over a revision. I had a band slip nearly a month ago. My surgeon wanted me to revise to sleeve. All the insurance folks are telling me BCBS of MI won't cover a revision to sleeve and that I have to have a new band installed instead. I have had so many issues with my band and don't really want to go down that road. My BMI is 34.6. I know other folks have had success getting this covered. What's the deal?

Call your insurance and ask what type of WLS they cover. Some do not cover the sleeve.

I would also find out from them what their criteria is also, your bmi might not be in their weight loss surgery bracket any more so repairs and replacements would be covered but maybe a new form of surgery might not be

good luck with it ..

I work w/BCBS multi-state and I would urge you to call the number on the back of your ID card & speak with someone in customer service to find out specifics on weight-loss surgery as it relates to your individual policy. If you are approved please take specific notes and if possible get either a call reference number or an auth #, also make note of the date and time of the call and the CSR's name. Hope this helps!

I'm in the same position you are in and I actually just called BCBS and they told me that the only requirement is: 40 BMI. Which is around 240 lbs.

I really want to convert to the sleeve but my BMI is under. Have you heard anything since then about your revision. Just needed some help as well. Please let me know. Thanks.