Kathy JB

All this talk about protein.....I'm still in the process of getting all the pre-op tests done, but I'm trying to begin to eat like I'm going to have to post-op. I like salmon and I'm having about 3 to 4 oz. a day. I know salmon is one of the "fatter" fish types, but I also know it is good for you (at least pre-op). Will it be a good source of protein for me post-op, too?

As a mommy of 5, you must be a wonder woman. Our son has 6, so I know how busy your household must be. The only other extra expenses that I know of are any co-pays that you might have if your doctor wants you to see an off-base doctor for the pre-op tests. If I remember right, there is also a co-pay at the hospital with TriCare Prime. Check to see if your base has any dietician. It could save you that expense if your doctor is willing to work with him/her. Good Luck, Mama-- :wink2:Kathy JB

Mynmann- I went to my TriCare office and they said lapband is now covered. I was given a copy of the TriCare Policy Manual, which describes the patient as: 1. "The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints." 2. "The patient is 200% or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category." 3. "The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown). "In determining the ideal body weight for morbid obesity using the Metropolitan Life Table, contractors must apply 100 pounds (or 200%) to both the lower and higher end of the weight range. Payment will be allowed when beneficiaries meet all requirements for morbid obesity surgery, including the ideal weight within the newly determined range." I'm going to check the TriCare office once again to make sure that they understood that it was Lap-Band that I was referring to, but I clearly told her it was Lap-Band that I was interested in, and she told me that as of December, 2007, it was covered. If I find out differently, I'll try to get back on this via your e-mail address. One expense that you might not be aware of is that of a dietician/nutritionist. My doctor requires a patient to meet with one before even seeing him. Additionally, you will see one periodically during your weight loss period. Mine will see me on the same day that I see the doctor, who is located an hour away from me in Santa Barbara. My dietician charges $60 for the first visit (it was an hour) and $45 for subsequent visits. TriCare won't pay for those visits because we have a dietician at Vandenburg AFB (central coast Calif). She is willing to work with me, of course at no charge, but she has to get the protocol from the doctor in Santa Barbara because she hasn't handled the bariatric patients before. I'm hopeful that the Santa Barbara dietician and doctor will o.k. that, but if not, the number of visits won't be so many that I can't pay out of pocket. Don't give up hope.

Mynmann- I went to my TriCare office and they said lapband is now covered. I was given a copy of the TriCare Policy Manual, which describes the patient as: 1. "The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints." 2. "The patient is 200% or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category." 3. "The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown). "In determining the ideal body weight for morbid obesity using the Metropolitan Life Table, contractors must apply 100 pounds (or 200%) to both the lower and higher end of the weight range. Payment will be allowed when beneficiaries meet all requirements for morbid obesity surgery, including the ideal weight within the newly determined range." I'm going to check the TriCare office once again to make sure that they understood that it was Lap-Band that I was referring to, but I clearly told her it was Lap-Band that I was interested in, and she told me that as of December, 2007, it was covered. If I find out differently, I'll try to get back on this via your e-mail address. One expense that you might not be aware of is that of a dietician/nutritionist. My doctor requires a patient to meet with one before even seeing him. Additionally, you will see one periodically during your weight loss period. Mine will see me on the same day that I see the doctor, who is located an hour away from me in Santa Barbara. My dietician charges $60 for the first visit (it was an hour) and $45 for subsequent visits. TriCare won't pay for those visits because we have a dietician at Vandenburg AFB (central coast Calif). She is willing to work with me, of course at no charge, but she has to get the protocol from the doctor in Santa Barbara because she hasn't handled the bariatric patients before. I'm hopeful that the Santa Barbara dietician and doctor will o.k. that, but if not, the number of visits won't be so many that I can't pay out of pocket.

You go, Girl! You're doing it for all the right reasons. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your healthy life. Kathy JB