miissxangela

Just wanted to know if any of you tricare prime bandsters had problems getting in to a military hospital for surgery and requested to be referred to a civilian hospital?? I went to my seminar today and the waiting list to the hospital I am assigned is 6mos long!! All of the posts I've read about you folks with tricare prime got in within a few weeks. There are also no other hospitals in this area (Virginia/Maryland/North Carolina) that do bariatric surgery...unless maybe you know of somewhere??? Suggestions greatly appreciated!

I just got home from the seminar...and there is a 6month waiting list. I'm kind of upset. I think I am going to call tricare and see if there is anywhere else I can have the surgery

wow! that is quick and awesome! i'm hoping i will be approved and having the surgery ASAP!

thanks! ... How long was it from the time you had your seminar until the date of your surgery??

thanks so much everyone for your positive input! It's such a bummer when people put down your decision and don't think you are capable of making the right one. I am definitely going for it *if insurance approves it* I have my seminar tomorrow morning!! So excited!! heartfire--I have been married for 6 mos. got married 2 weeks before my 19th birthday! My husband just turned 21. We were high school sweethearts, he joined the navy, then we got married, but not once have I ever regretted my decision to marry him even though I got sooo much crap about it! I'm so glad to see that you were married at 19 and it has been 20 years! That is really awesome.

Thanks.. It really means a lot that someone realizes that I am mature despite my age. I am married and living on my own. I will graduate from nursing school in a couple months and I will have a good career. I have read and re-read about the surgery and I am trying to learn as much as I can and I am also aware of what could happen with lap band surgery...as with all other surgeries. thanks again..it really makes me feel better when I get positive feedback rather than negative :biggrin:

yes, they cover both..from what I have read and heard

thanks.. i'll be sure to keep that in mind!! I think I might also just drink a lot of water before I go for my appointment..that seems to work

Thank you so much.. that eased my mind a bit. I weighed 221 at the doctors office last week. I am going to aim for 224 for this week and hope that my dr. will fudge it a little and that some of my weight related problems will pass as comorbidities. I'm sorry I have been freaking out and so annoying this past week. I am so anxious and nervous that I'm not going to be approved!! Thanks again, you have been so great!

Oh nooo, I'm worried now :/ I don't have any of those comorbidities listed. I have told the dr. my problems associated with weight are: joint pain, depression/anxiety, and irregular menstrual cycles. Although I do have joint pain, I don't believe I have severe arthritis. I am also not exactly 100lbs overweight. I, too have been trying to gain weight. I know that sounds bad, but it's worth it, because if I wait a few mos, I would gain the weight anyway. I am 5'3" 221lbs. If I had a small frame, I would be over. If med. I have a couple lbs to go. How do you tell what size frame you have?? Ahh, now i'm kinda freakin out! haha EDIT: I just googled Hypothalamic Disorders & apparently that is a wide range of things. I think that can be my irregular cycle and also excessive sweating (didn't realize i could use that as a problem)... so I'm hoping this will be ok? Any thoughts?

Congrats!!! I can't wait until that day!! (if it ever comes) =( haha

I live in hampton, VA

Hey Angie... My name is Angela Marie, too! haha. I haven't been banded yet, but I agree, you should just do as much research as possible...read read read, and talk to people who have had it done. :thumbup:

b12 also aids in energy

will do! thanks to you both

Heyy everyone! I'm a newbie from Virginia. I am going for my referral appointment today, but I am concerned, because I'm not exactly 100lbs over weight.. I am 5'3" and about 220. I'm HOPING I can get approved with tricare prime! Keep your fingers crossed! I'll be sure to let ya'll know how it goes!

I don't have any of those conditions...my BMI is 39. I do have other weight related issues though..such as joint pain and having an irregular menstrual cycle. I also read that major depression can be a comorbity? I was diagnosed with that a few years ago. I'm getting ready to leave in about 15mins..so I am hoping for the best!