I am having my band removed next week after several complications over the past 10 years of having it. After having it revised 3 times, I started gaining weight back about 2 years ago and started noticing other issues with my band. I have had severe acid-reflux and pain from my band recently. I have a hernia in my stomach, stretched out esophagus and nerve damage in my pouch. After talking with my doctor, he recommended having the sleeve done after having the band removed. I am really excited to get it removed finally but I am really nervous about getting approved for the sleeve. I have been through the 6 month of msd, psych eval and all the other hoops that they recommend to increase my chances of getting approved. My doctor recommended having the band out first and then 2 weeks later submitting the paper work for the sleeve approval. He feels like this would increase my chances to do them separately. Has anyone else dealt with BCBS of Tennessee? I work for the state. I'm having terrible anxiety about it!