Is it possible to have insurance approve "experimental" VSG?

I have a complicated medical history including very early primary sclerosing cholangitis (affecting biliary tree and liver) possibly requiring future endoscopy, Barrett's esophagitis (requiring intermittent endoscopic monitoring), significant GERD and a moderate hiatal hernia.  I have been approved by HealthPartners for RNY, but my surgeon is concerned about my other conditions causing complications in the future.  I have heard that Lap Band is contraindicated with a hiatal hernia, but the gastric sleeve is considered by HealthPartners to be "experimental."  My question is, has anyone heard of gastric sleeve being approved anyway for weight management in the setting of other medical conditions that preclude the standard procedures? When I started the process for RNY in January, my BMI was 39.8.  It is currently 38 or 37, mostly due to problems with the hiatal hernia and most recently a bout of diverticulitis.  My main concern is that if I have just a hiatal hernia repair, then my appetite will come back making it very likely that I will regain the 14+ lbs I have recently lost.  I would like to have ONE surgery to take care of these problems if possible.  It seems like the vertical sleeve is the best solution for me now, but I need to overcome the insurance roadblock, as there is no way I could afford this on my own.  My only other alternative is to have the hiatal hernia and GERD repair and then hope for the best as far as maintaining or losing additional weight without WLS. Any input and advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!!

Go to the VSG forum and ask. They have tons of info to give.