O i am in the proces of getting approval for lap band removal due to esophageal dysmotility and minimal wt loss. I want to convert to a vsg and doctor recommends it however thinks that it would be better to wait 3 months after removal to have vsg. I have cigna insurance and was wondering if anyone has done the same thing and wether it was still considered reoperation bariatric surgery or if once the band is out they will treat it like a new surgery.

In my case, i did it as two separate surgeries, but there are advantages to having a single surgery. I am glad I did what I did as it confirmed my decision to get the sleeve - but - I was so hungry in those months between.

My insurance approved it either way, and I was an "revision" either way - whether seperate surgeries or the same.

I did mine in one surgery. The surgeon told me that I had a ton of scar tissue from 6 years of being banded, but he was surprised at how good a condition my stomach tissue was in. I am 6 months out and have not had any issues. No leak, no acid reflux, no pain. I'm thankful, because this was my 6th abdominal surgery. Enough is enough.