Band to Sleeve-how did you get approved?

I revised from Lapband in Jan 2009 to sleeve in March 2016. I did well with the band but had to have it removed due to swelling from scar tissue. Insurance would pay for the removal of the band, but not the sleeve due to my low BMI. I had to gain 50 pounds to qualify for the sleeve. I had them done at the same time. My doctor said there was no reason to have two separate surgeries. Some insurance make you meet the same criteria with the revision as you had to do with the first surgery. It is ridiculous! but that is how some do it. Yes! my surgeon was an advocate he battled them but they still wanted me to meet a BMI of 35 (ankle weights helped)

This is very helpful, thank you! I am currently 8 months pregnant and after I deliver I'll be at a higher weight than I've been in a while. My BMI will be just over 35 I think. I figured this would be the perfect time to start the process!