Tiffykins

I have Tricare Prime. I had my first surgical consult on 7/22/08, my pysch and nutrition eval was 7/29/08, and my surgery was approved literally 10 days later. I had/have ZERO co-morbidities, my height/weight was 5'2"/270, so I was clearly 100lbs over my ideal weight by the MetLife. I am consider "medium" frame by the insurance standards therefore my approval was very quick. I did not have to complete any pre-surgery diet, or observations. I filled out the questionaires and a 7 day food log. Tricare Prime isn't typically that difficult to get approval through, it really depends on how your surgeon's office codes everything and gets you in the system. At least that was my experience. Pretty much, my surgeon's nurse told me exactly what she was going to do to get me approved even though I had zero weight related medical problems.

Quick intro: Tiffany 32 years old, married, Air Force wife, insurance agent, mommy to a 10 year son, we live in NW Florida (might as well be Alabama), and I was banded on October 1, 2008. To date, I've lost right at 31 pounds. I'm in what is apparently called "bandster hell", it's miserable, I'm frustrated, but haven't given up. . . It's been an amazing journey thus far. That's me in a nutshell. Thanks for having me, and hope I can get to know others for some much needed support.

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I've had 2 fills (at only 3.5cc) and pretty much I'm past frustrated with my surgeon. He is extremely passive when it comes to fills, refuses to give "anyone" a fill more frequently that every other month, and even then he only gives 1cc. To me, it's quite ludicrous since by all the guidelines, I am too loose and my band should be adjusted. I understand filling it slowly, but every 60 days? I lost 20lbs the first 16 days, and have had to kick my butt for the other 11lbs. It's just frustrating, and I went in and pretty much vented my frustration and he gave me a 1cc fill 2 months after my first 2cc fill. . . It's crazy, I would switch surgeons if the other bariatric surgeon in our area didn't "make my skin crawl". I just feel trapped, I just feel like I am being treated like a "number in the little program" instead of an individual patient. I am calling my nurse next week to let know that the 1cc fill that I got on Jan 20th, has not accomplished anything. . . I guess we'll see what happens. Thanks again for your words of encouragement.