leighhoffman

Ok, so after talking to my insurance person at the surgeons office....she has contacted tricare and the code that is in there was incorrectly put in there and there are indeed not paying for the band. Please if anyone else gets any other answer please please please let us know.I am going to go sulk now......:faint:

I have been a busy woman today and had to share my latest tricare adventure. I went to my tricare office and they told me to have the doctor and hospital, etc. to resubmit the bill to tricare and maybe I could get back some of my money from the surgery. Along with my insurance lady at my surgeons office we have a procedural code that as of 3/1/2006 tricare is using to bill for the lapband. The code is 43770. I hope this helps some of you and I will keep eeryone posted on how my adventure for reimbursement goes!

I just had to throw my 2 cents in here and tell you, though I am not your typical bandster...I was banded OCtober 10 of last year and as of today I have lost 85 lbs. So.....each case is different for everyone. I am so very thankful for my band. I am a military spouse and boy the ignorance runs rampant throughout the military medical community. I feel like I should start every conversation with, " Hi! I am Leigh Ann, before we go any further let me educate you on my lapband before you look at me like I have three heads! ". I feel your pain. Hang in there! Things are going to be great!

Jillie, First of all the biggest congrats on this new life you are about to start. My advice would be to listen to your doctor about what to eat at first and things like that. Dont try to do too much after your surgery and TAKE A DEEP BREATH! I have no regrets about my band. There are alot of really cool people on here. They have great ideas and advice for just about anything you could come up with to ask. YOu will be in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck!

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

That is not a dorky question. My question to that however would be....How bad are you wanting to change your life? I can tellyou that I have lost 80 lbs and nothing tastes as good as the new shorts I bought today and didnt feel like a beached whale putting them on in front of the mirror. Nothing tastes as good as getting that call from the doctor that says my cholesterol number have been reduced to half of what they were. I am not trying to fuss but this really has to be a life changing decision. You need to decide you are going to eat to live not live to eat. Living to eat is what got most of us into this position.Even without anyting in your band you are still goign to have some restriction. At least I did. I hope that you do not get a doctor that would consider giving you an unfill so you can eat and drink more on vacation. That is so unfair to what you are trying to accomplish. I am concerned about your commitment to this and I sincerely hope you are not misled into thinking this is a easy thing. It is not but it is so very rewarding. The best of wishes to you!

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I am so happy for you!!! Congratualtions! I need a favorite color for your prize form New Mexico. WAY TO GO!!!!!!!

It is truly amazing how we see ourselves both inside and out. I can honestly say that having this surgery has made me change my mind about how I see things both inside and out. You are doing great! Keep up the good work! You are looking good!:clap2:

I will keep you on my mind tomorrow. Best wishes on a speedy recovery! Let us know how you are doing.

Your daughter is absolutely beautiful. I wish I could have done this in high school. My how my life might be different now. I dearly love my husband and child with all of my heart but, I often wonder what I could have accomplished with a little more energy and self esteem. I am so excited for your daughter! Best wishes on her surgery and a speedy recovery.

I started out at 337lbs on the day of surgery 10/10/05 and this morning I was 273lbs. I have been very happy with my decision. I think 64lbs in 4 months is not that bad!

I usually have a little of what I am craving to . I find that if I deprive myself I end up trying to eat to much of it eventually and we all know what a disaster over eating can be!

Photo Nut, You have to tell me how to make sweet and sour chicken in a crock pot! :hungry: That is one of my favorite things my Mom used to make! If you would post the recipe I would so very greatly appreciate it. About the drink issue......I make kool-aid with splenda and it is pretty good. Hubby is not wild about the Splenda though. I get my sweet fix that way though.

Thanks for your advise. I guess that I am not going to be able to eat hamburger meat. It is not the end of the world I guess. Thanks again for your advise.

I was wondering if trying to eat hamburger meat is kicking anyone elses butt but mine? I dont care how I cook it...I always get to revisit it in the end. :guess And I am sorry ....you can only chew chew chew hamburger meat so much. If anyone has found any remedies for this or has any other ideas.....hubby hates ground turkey ( he may have to get over it), I would so very much appreciate it. Thanks!!!!

:clap2: You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was soooo nervous when I went in for my surgery. Take it easy and make sure you are walking! It's only down from here!!!

I would just like to say that you all are absolutely nuts and I can always find a smile after reading these threads. I feel like I am around people who are as crazy as me!!!

That is AWESOME! I cant wait to see you in onederland!!! Way to go!

I PB alot too. I know it is because I am eating too much too fast and I am still figuring out what my band will and will not tolerate. It scares me but I think and hope it will get better!

GO GIRL GO!!!!! Great picture! I cant wait for my you know whats to come back!! I think they are hidden under this flab! I used to do crazy things! Watch out world! Way to go!

God bless you and your family. I can not begin to imagine what you are going through. Keep the faith and try to keep your head up.

Way to go! Hang in there! It only gets better from here! Good Luck!

Hey everyone! My husband and I have just found out that the Air Force is sending us to Charleston, SC. I was wondering if anyone has been banded there. I am going to need a doctor there. Thanks in advance for your help. Leigh Ann

I have only had one fill and I felt like I was starting all over again. It took me a couple of weeks to feel " normal" again. If we ever feel normal. It will go away though and you can go back to eating.

I have PCOS and I have had great results from this surgery. I have lost 42lbs since October 10. I too am taking metformin 500mg2xdaily. I have not developed diabetes yet thank goodness. My cholesterol number have been cut in more than half. Needless to say I am more than pleased with my decision to have this surgery. If you have any questions feel free to ask!