When looking at the diagram of the vertical sleeve, it looks similar to the MGB but without the bypass.  In the MGB about 6 feet of the small intestines are bypassed.  The sleeve doesn't have that. 

Here is a YouTube video on insurance and the MGB.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0mZ4xTjCdc&feature=youtu.be&a

I have the same insurance and live in Indiana.  I was approved immediately. for RNY.  Not sure if the requirements are the same for the Mini or not.  I have high choesterol and some back issues occasionally.  I think my Dr. office knew just what to send/say. I had the 5 years of documented weights.  I thought I needed the  6 month diet thing too, but I didn't.  Possibly because of my back.  My Dr was Rose Marie Jones at Carmel Surgical Center in Indy.
 (I highly reccommend her) .  You might see if they have some advice for you.   Let me know if you have questions I can answer for you.

Hi,

I noticed you are from Plainfield, IN.  I grew up there.  Lived over on Brookside Lane.  I miss Plainfield but I no longer have family there.  Just a few friends.

I have been out 5 yrs. Around March of this year I started having lots of abdominal pain, and kept putting it off.  In June I finally went to my surgeon and he scheduled me immediately for surgery.  I ended up having a hiatal hernia.  Don't put it off too long, get it checked soon.