71614new

It's weird how different the same insurance is in different regions... Either way you'll be on the losers' bench soon!! Woohoo! So good luck & keep us updated please!

Don't be worried-bank on what your insurance rep told you. I'm TRICARE prime (west) & did have to do the 6 months & have 3 co-morbidities. If you have to do the diet, make sure you make appts with your PCM that are specifically coded for weight loss. I started my process 9/15/13 & just had surgery 7/16/14 b/c 3 of the appts weren't coded right & they found out my thyroid wasn't working then too. So I had 3 extra months of weight loss appts & 3 months with an endo to get my thyroid back on track before TRICARE would even let me see the surgeon. Also, I have no prior issues with mental health but that still took 4 months from start to finish. Also-I had to have my surgery off base at a civilian hospital so if you're scheduled to have all pre-op appts done at a Military Treatment Facility then it may go faster for you. Oh, if you're not going through a MTF be prepared to pay out of pocket a little. My out of pocket was $1200 even though TRICARE covered the procedure. Hang in there, if you do have to wait - time will go by fast, if not, even better!!!

Yay! That's weird though, I'm TRICARE prime & had to do 6 months diet/exercise. I'm 10 days out now. good luck!

Hi there, I was told by TRICARE West Region that the sleeve is only covered if there's a qualified general surgeon with bariatric training that had training doing the sleeve at a MTF. Since we're at a base with only a clinic, the RNY gastric bypass was my only option since having to go down town. I'm glad I prepared for this route-I have acid reflux bad & the sleeve & lap band are no good if you have that. Good luck-maybe you'll be told differently.

I live on Edwards AFB, still Kern Co just about 80 miles away

Hi there! I just found this site & am excited I did! My surgery is scheduled for 16 July @ 0900 & I start my pre-op diet on July 7th. I'm so nervous but so ready at the same time. Nice to "meet" you all! -Jess

I'm having my surgery on the 16th & was told to start my preoperative diet the 8th.