mgordon1

Congratulations - good luck on your journey

One doctor I was going to used was charging an additional fee "$5,500" on top of my $3,000 insurance deductible. I actually got a referral to another doctor which does not charge a "fee". I have had my surgery and everything is going fine. I am glad that I changed to another physician.

I thought about doing my surgery in Mexico, however, I did not because of the follow-up and aftercare that are required with the band. In my area, I could not find a doctor that was willing to do the fills if they had not done the surgery. Also, my other concern was if there were problems with the band, who would I go to immediately. I posed this question to the doctors in my area and the answer was either no or it was going to be very expensive. This may not be true in everyones case, but this is what is available in my area. While it may be cheaper upfront, the after care and the maintenance made the decision for me. But like the others on this post, do your research and do what is best for you.

Thankfully, everything is fine since surgery. I did not have any pain, but I was sore. Even though I did have the pain medication from the doctor, gas strips and liquid vitamans, I only use the paid meds the night I came home. I know that everyone is different when it comes to pain, but I will admit that I am a big chicken:eek:. I have the Realize band by Johnson and Johnson and I can not feel it. The doctor showed me where my port was located and while it is not sore any more, it is tender. I have my first post-op visit on Friday. I will let you all know how it goes. And last but not least, I am thankful for Tricare. The only cost that I had out of pocket is my co-pays at the doctors office. Dallman/Don - congrats on your surgery, I guess we are band buddies.

I also made friends with the lead at Tricare West. She also told me that as long as you meet the criteria and had the surgery after Feb 07 they would reimburse you. I think it is a bit more paperwork, but you will get some of the money back.

Sorry I have not posted, but I have had my surgery. My weight was 268 and my co -morb was hypertension and cholosterol (sp) I had my surgery at a center of excellence facility.

Hi Rachel - I am currently out on leave from my job and depending on how close you are to your immediate supervisor, you do not have to disclose why you are out, just that you are having a medical procedure done and you will be out for xxx weeks. I only told a few of my co-workers that I was going to be out and again, I only told them that I was having a medical procedure done.

I have Tricare Prime and I went to a center of excellence hospital. From my perspective it is worth it to go to one of these facilities. It requires an overnite stay and they are more equipped to deal with issues related to weight loss. I was monitored very carefully and I don't think I would have recieved the same type of care if it was done on an outpatient basis. The hospital I was at El Camino in Mountain View California, had someone talk to me regarding aftercare, nutrion etc. They basically wanted to ensure that I had everything under control and provide me with f/u numbers for my care. The first night after surgery, believe me, going home was not an option for me. Between the antibiotics and the pain pump, I was glad I was there. Any questions, post pm me.

Yes they approved and my surgery is on Jan 30. I have Triwest. For Triwest, it took two days for approval

Hi Everyone - I am scheduled for my surgery on 1/30/08 and I have some questions. I want to know what is a should I have with me for the initial two weeks after surgery to make the time go easier. I am a complete chicken when it comes to pain, so I already have my prescription for pain medication. Also, I am wondering about liquid Vitams and Liquid Tylenol. Are these items available for over the counter purchase or by prescription only? Thanks

With my original doctor office, I was told "why do you want to fool with that (lapband) do the RNY and get it over with" Needless to say when it was all said and done, I switch doctors. With my new physican he quizzed me on both and asked which on I was more comformtable with. He only agreed to give me the lapband because of my information on both, how I planned to incorporated the new tool into my lifestyle and what I was comfortable with. For me, re-arranging my "internal plumbing" was not something that I was comfortable with

I am also pre-op and I was trying different chewable vitamins(flintstones etc) and I did not like the chalkey after taste. I ordered one bottle of Optisource Chewable Vitamin and Minteral Supplement from Walgreens.com - Online pharmacy & drugstore, prescriptions, health information, photo center and they taste very good, no after taste at all. I had my pre-op appointment with the hospital and doctor and they both agreed that is all the supplement that I needed. I have to take these vitamins 3x daily.

Hi - I ditto the previous comment. It depends on where you live and what kind of plan you have. I have Blue Cross PPO and my doctor and hospital are great.

Hi Everyone - I am scheduled for my surgery on 1/30/08 and I have some questions. I want to know what is a should I have with me for the initial two weeks after surgery to make the time go easier. I am a complete chicken when it comes to pain, so I already have my prescription for pain medication.

Hi - I was approved and have had my pre-op appointment with my surgeon and the hospital. My surgery date is 1/30/07. I am about 110 lbs over my ideal body weight - according to the chart and according to Tricare requirements, that alone was enough. My BMI is 43 and co-morb - blood pressure and chloresterol (sp). From what I found out Tricare South should have the changes on line by no later than 2/1/08.