Band to sleeve revision vs. removal then 2nd surgery

Hi Everyone,

I had my first consult yesterday for a band to sleeve revision. I really liked my doctor and nurse but was a little taken aback by the financial coordinator.

I have Cigna. I would really like a band to sleeve revision performed at the SAME time. Per the financial coordinator, Cigna will not pay them for removing band and then sleeve performed at same time. They can only submit for one or the other. She said the preferred way to handle it is to first remove the band, then after NUT counseling, psych, etc, perform sleeve 90 days later. She said there was no guarantee I would be approved for sleeve after band was removed. I was kind of upset hearing this. When I finally got in to see the doctor, I stressed that I preferred to have revision done at the same time. He said they could try to work something out and took notes.

Anyone else have this issue? I was a bit emotional yesterday after dealing with the financial coordinator. This was after she initially told me Cigna would NOT cover WLS for me, that I was excluded. I insisted she call them back and after I got a little weepy, she did. She then said "this is my lucky day" and I was NOT excluded. It was an experience, let me tell ya.

Sooooo, let me know about the revision vs. removal and then 2nd surgery 90 days later. Sounds like this can be quite a process...

Thanks to all!!