asimmons

Be very careful about asking questions when you go for your app't with Dr. Marema. US Bariatrics does take insurance but a large percentage of the time you pay the $5000 surgeon fee up front and then get reimbursed whatever your insurance allows for the dr. You also have to go to their psychologist and that fee is $500 again at the time of service - then you get reimbursed whatever the insurance company will allow. I found all this out the hard way. I had my lapband done on June 10 and am so glad I did it even though it cost me a lot more than I thought it would. Anne

Also try the Isopure Protein drinks and the Pure Protein ones. Just make sure they are the 0 carb ones. I would not have made it withiut them. Swanson's low sodium vegetable broth is also good. Anne

My dietician told me absolutely no peanut butter! Anne

Hi, I am new to the forums but had my surgery on 6/10/08 through Tricare. I got my approval in a little over a week. However, it was for Outpatient and my dr wanted me to stay overnight because of severe sleep apnea. The insurance person at the center called Tricare and had them change it to overnight - no problems at all. As for all of the tests, it was the dr who required them and not Tricare. However Tricare covered them with no problem. I am also in Florida And I have to say Tricare has been great to deal with. Anne