Armygalbonnie

WOW, sounds like a lo to positive responses!!! Girl, you are close to your dreaming happening.

I still have 3 months before I get to this point, but I know my surgeon's office said my insurance (Tricare Prime) takes about 2 weeks. They said the avg for most insurances is 30 days.

Prayers coming your way.

YAY!!!! Hopefully your insurance will authorize before the 30 days. At least you can now see a little bit of that silver lining. I agree, you have to stay on top of things. We are our own best advocates. You will be having that surgery soon, and you are on your weigh to a happy, beautiful life.

Do you live close to the weight loss center, where you can physically go there and check to see what is going on? I can completely understand your frustrations; however, don't let this time set you back on what you've worked so hard to achieve. Try to work through your emotions instead of eat through them. In the long run, you will feel success!

You have a GREAT attitude! You got this!

emme.vee Every time I looked online and read Tricare's requirements, it appeared as though I would have to have a physician monitored diet. It doesn't say 6 months though. I'm in the medical field and I work at an Army hospital. One of my patients had WLS and I asked him if Tricare made him do the 6 month diet and he said, "no". When I saw my Dr Friday, she said "no" too. I'm not sure if it depends on which medical command you fall under. I know with Tricare though, if you have any other insurance, they will be your secondary. Tricare will pick up where your primarily insurance doesn't pay. If your primary won't pay, then Tricare will. You've got it made!!!! Let me know what you hear. Bonnie

My surgeon's office actually set up all the other appts I need and will get insurance authorization for those appts. I have Tricare insurance and it won't pay for the (3) dietitian visits but It will pay for the psych and PT. The psychologist they use specializes in food addictions/weight loss surgeries and that's why I am referred to him. I think you will find that at your initial consult, the surgeon and office staff are very informative and they will do all the paperwork, referrals and scheduling of appts for you. They really are your advocates!

I just had my 1st consult this last Friday. I have Tricare Prime (retired military) and I anticipated my insurance provider would have their requirements for a Dr supervised diet. Fortunately, they do not; However, my surgeon and the weight loss clinic requires 3 visits with a dietitian (month between appts), a psych evaluation they schedule, 1 visit with a physical therapist and 1X support group. Even though my insurance doesn't have the requirements, it will still be November before I have the surgery. Even though I am impatient and I want the surgery YESTERDAY, their protocol is truly ideal. Not only do I have time to meet my surgeon's requirements, it gives me time to adjust to the future changes in my life. BTW, I have had several EGDs in the past and I have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, so I don't have to have testing repeated. As far as starting testing now, I would wait until your consult, to see what your surgeon says. Of course checking with your insurance before hand is a good idea. Don't always trust what you read online. That way you know what to expect. Good luck!!

I had to have drain tubes with other surgeries and that was the worst part of the process. I met with my surgeon last Friday, but of course, I forgot to ask her about it. I even had it in my notebook of questions!?!?!? I'm glad I will get to meet her again, so I can ask. I appreciate everyone's input. I feel considerable relief. Happy Monday everyone!

Had my consultation last Friday. Less than 4 months until surgery. My surgeon pretty much made my decision. Because I have an auto immune disease (RA), my surgeon said I need to be sleeved. Because occasionally I have to be on steroids, it's too risky to have gastric bypass. Regardless, I'm looking forward to WLS. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Today, I got to meet my surgeon for consultation! I will be having the surgery within the next 3 to 4 months. Three nutrition consults, One psych evaluation, meet with physical therapy and attend a support group. I can't believe WLS is going to be my reality! I can't wait to share my story with all of my new friends here. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! I appreciate your sweet message. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Did you have a drain tube after surgery, that has to be pulled out later? Surgery in less than 4 months. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just don't get this weight loss thing. Aren't we moving toward drastic measures of WLS because we CAN'T control our weight and lose it? I'm so sorry you are having to wait. I know this must be difficult for you.

Hi!!! I truly enjoyed reading what you said. I can relate to a great part of your story; However, I do believe I have been discriminated against for my weight. But...... my biggest bully is myself. LIfe is going to change with this surgery, but it's going to be a wonderful change. I wish I would have done it when I was 37 . I wish you the best in everything, and I look forward to hearing about the next chapter in your life.

I haven't had surgery yet, but I'm already thinking about those things I will miss and how I plan to accept it. I will DEFINITELY miss drinking Water with my meals! I feel this is going to be a HUGE adjustment! I will also miss diet Coke. It's my go to at least once a day. Mexican food and sweets got me to this place, so I KNOW they are red light foods for me and I will have to get better control. I'm an addict with sweets. I perfectly fit into the saying, "One is too much but 100 is not enough". As long as I don't take that first bite, I'll be OK. Back in the days when I went to Weight Watchers, I was told BLTs would get me in trouble. Not bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches, but bites, licks and tastes. This is very true. I will miss my old habits but I'm looking forward to new, healthy ones.

WOW, you look AMAZING!!! Great job!

I have my initial consult on Friday! Like you, I'm very excited! I really have no idea what to expect. I've heard many different things regarding my insurance, as to whether a physician monitored diet is required. I hope to get some answers on Friday and start this journey that will change the rest of my life. Keep us posted as you go through the process. Good luck! Bonnie

WOW, you look AMAZING!!!! What an inspiration you are. I love reading about your success. It is motivation to me and many others. Keep up the great work. Bonnie

I haven't had surgery yet either, but I completely understand your fears. What helps me is reading all the positive, wonderful blogs on this site. I see how strong so many of these women and men are, and I KNOW I am strong too. Yes, it's a HUGE lifestyle change but my current lifestyle is going to kill me. You got this girl!!! Keep reaching out to other's on this site and they will help you through your journey.

I meet the surgeon next week for my first consult. We will be going through together!! I wish you the very best. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you Generator! I have esophageal dysmotility so I'm pretty convinced RNY is the right choice. I FINALLY get to meet the bariatric surgery next Friday for my first consult. Let the waiting begin.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in OK too but down in Lawton. I met my husband on POF and fortunately for me, I got a great one!! I had to kiss many-a-toads before I met my Prince. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Awesome!!! I don't know you but I'm very proud of you! You are an inspiration. Keep up the great work! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App