Banded but want the Sleeve..

I had the Lapband put in Aug. 08 and I've been up and down with my weight since then.  I never could get my restriction just right...it was always too tight or not tight enough :(!  Now I am having pain at my port site.  Anytime I sneeze or cough or try to do a sit up, it hurts really bad and I feel like I am having a muscle spasm there.  My doctor retired so I am having to go see a new doctor on June 6.  I would like to have the band taken out and get the sleeve, but I have Medicare.  Any information on how to get this accomplished?  Thanks from Texas :D

You'll want to make sure they document a medical necessity to give them a reason to approve you.  If you're not losing what you hoped, though, you may want to consider a procedure like the RNY or DS that give you a metabolic boost in addition to restriction.