self-pay / reimbursement/ band approval?

Is it possible to self pay for the sleeve and then fight insurance for reimbursement?

Also, I could easily get approved for a band....should I do that and then ask to switch to the sleeve?

I'm guessing that if you self pay, you cannot later fight for reimbursement because your insurance policy probably states clearly in the policy that such surgeries must be approved in advance.  I don't know your particular policy, though.

I read an article somewhere about how to get your insurance to pay for the sleeve, and I'm pretty sure they actually suggested just getting approved for any WLS and then asking to switch to the sleeve.  I cannot remember where I found the article, though, or I would give you the link.  I think your best bet is to talk to the insurance person in your surgeon's office.  He or she should probably be able to offer you some good advice.  I imagine they frequently deal with companies that don't want to cover the sleeve.

Kelly