lovex5

Hi, I'm looking for anyone who had their surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center. I have been jumping through hoops for the past several months trying to get this surgery. I finally thought I was getting somewhere. I called to be scheduled for their next seminar in a couple weeks. They couldn't loacte me in DEERS. So after my husband and I both dealt with that for the past 24hrs we finally got me into their system (I was in the system all along, not sure what happened). So as she was setting up my appointment she asks if I'm at least 100lbs overweight. I told her I am and my bmi. Then she tells me that they don't go by the standard rule of 35bmi plus 2 comorbids or 40bmi with/without comorbids. She states you must have 2 comorbidities and be on meds for them. I have never heard that! Of course I have none of the classic comorbidities except gerd and I take otc's for that not rx. She said the surgeons can make the determination if they'll make an exception or not. This is blowing my mind really. Is this true? I would love to hear from someone who had their surgery at BAMC. I am literally at the point where I want to start pulling my hair out. This "journey" has been nothing but a nightmare. My husband and I joke about it so I don't break down over and over. It's one step forward two steps back every....single....time I think I'm getting somewhere. Sorry to rant and whine but I am so frustrated it's unreal.

Thanks, i have been having thoughts about it not working. It was nice to read this. Congrats!!

I am still confused with the Medicare approval (?) of vsg. I gather that it's a state by state and case by case basis? I am curious now if Tricare will follow. I know some people in the wls world know how long it has take different insurance to approve different surgery types. Does anyone know how far behind Medicare Tricare was for other surgeries? Just trying to get an idea on how long I'll be waiting. If it's only going to be a few months I'll definitely wait to have it done by my civilian bariatric surgeon, otherwise I'll go forward to have it done at an MTF. I'm meeting with my surgeon tomorrow and plan to ask him as well, but I'm anxious for any info.

I just read it, how exciting! Now, come on Tricare!!

Darnall AMC at Fort Hood TX performs vsg. Good luck

I know this is silly but i have a fear of choking or not being able to breathe with the band. Does it ever feel too tight or like it's strangling you? Can you even feel the band at all?

I have not had surgery yet. But i stepped on the scale and saw that i've gained 6lbs since last sunday. Way too much junk and cake celebrating two birthdays last weekend. I'm going back to protein filled breakfast, shake for lunch and small portion of dinner. And tons of water! Aiming for 4 or more zumba sessions this week too. What a great thread, cant wait to read everyone's replies.

I'm hoping to retain enough breast mass to get a lift only and a tummy tuck. Implants will probably be out of the question for me because I have kidney disease and only one kidney. It's all good though, my health comes first and hopefully I can work past body issues.

This is probably obvious but did you check facebook?

That is exactly what I'm afraid of. Loose skin and deflated boobs. My husband loves my breasts. After 3 pregnancies, weight gain/loss, nursing etc they do droop some but like I've told him before, in my head it's not as bad since they are huge right now but when they are droopy AND tiny it may be a different story. lol! Oh well, I'll take that any day over being fat

So this is embarrassing but I ever let my husband look at me when we have sex. I always have a tank top or cami on during the act. Lights are always off too. We have a great sex life aside from that. He has seen me in the shower/changing clothes etc and says he's fine with how I look etc. I still feel self concious. So I'm wondering if that will change after weight loss? When we met I was 232 and that's about where I am now. He's loved me through my highest weight of 282 but I dunno...I just feel so gross and unappealing to have him see me when we have sex. Just wondering if 1. anyone felt this way before weight loss and 2. those feelings went away once goal weight was met.

I hope i'll still be able to have chicken. I really love chicken, we eat it a few times per week. I can handle staying away from bread/rice but the meat thing has me a bit worried!

Does it depend on each person or are there certain foods that most band patients can't have? Could you please list some foods you stay away from? I'm still trying to learn what life after band will be like...thanks!

I dont have my date yet but they told me it'll be july.

Thanks Jean i was hoping you would reply