TRS BC/BS Appeal for revision from Lap band to VSG ?'s

Had Lap band in 2006, nothing but trouble with it.  Pain/acid reflux, you name it.  My doctor wants to remove the band and convert to VSG because it is restrictive like the lapband.   The request for the revision was denied due to being "not covered in policy".  Even though they covered the lapband due to medical necessaty.

I sent an appeal to TRS, which can over ride what BC/BS says.  TRS sent me back a letter stating that I needed to appeal with Blue Cross. In other words they needed two denials from Blue Cross before they would do anything.   I called blue cross to see what I needed to do for an appeal.  The lady said that the phone call would suffice, and she would send out another denial letter for me. No medical review, just a second denial letter with a different date on it.  She said that is all TRS would need.

So now I have two denials, and don't know what to do next.  Should I go back to BC/BS and make them review it? Or, should I take it to TRS and tell them what BC/BS did?

What would you do?

Personally I would send the appeal you sent to TRS to BCBS and then if they deny it after reviewing the documentation and your appeal then take it to the 3rd level to TRS.