Due to complications with my band, my doctor is recommending revision to the sleeve. However, my insurance company requires a BMI of 35 or greater even for revision surgery (I also have to do the doctor supervised diet program again). I am 8 pounds below a BMI of 35 so I can either have the band removed in which case I will automatically get fat again and then have the sleeve done as a second surgery or I can use all the tricks in the book to gain the 8 pounds necessary to get to a BMI of 35 so I can qualify to have the revision in one surgery. If I couldn't lose the weight before the band and the band helped (albeit with complications) does it make sense to force me to gain back weight I worked so hard to lose so I can qualify for a revision and hopefully get to my target weight? Does this make any sense????

Totally crazy! I hear what u are saying. I am waiting for my first surgeon apt and know that his criteria is for BMI to be above 35. I have been eating like crazy - it's kind of weird as I am almost having to force myself and it feels disgusting and unhealthy.

When I was initially refused by the first surgeon as my BMI was too low at 33 - even with 12 year history of failed band with complications and a previously much higher BMI - I asked should I just go and put on 10kg? Sadly the answer was yes.

My insurance will cover it, I have the gap $ and the time and motivation but no surgeon!