milwif

I was just sure I'd get denied and have to appeal it, but suprisingly I was approved the first time with no problem at all! My cholesterol was a little bit high, and I have sleep hypopnea which is like the beginning of sleep apnea, and thats really it. I have joint pain but not arthritis. So really I didn't have Tricare's comborbs at all. I might have squeezed into the 200% range though...I think my surgeon specified that I was small framed. I'm 5'2", and was 235 when they sent the referrel. Hope that helps!

My husband is in the National Guard so I'm based right here at home:smile2: I live in a small town near Salem, OR but my hubby is from Bellingham. Thats about all I know of WA, are you near there at all?

I've never heard this, read this, or been told this. The only thing I can think of that even remotely relates to this is that perhaps if you are under 25 you are apt to have less associated medical conditions. I for example, don't have diabetes or arthritis YET, but I'm sure without surgery, I would in the future. I'm 21, and I got approved with no problems at all.

I just checked the Triwest website and there it was! my APPROVAL!! I haven't been on LBT a whole lot lately because I was beginning to get discouraged but now that I have been approved I have so much to look forward to! Oh and for others with Tricare...the authorization was submitted August 5th and I got my approval August 8th...it was really quick. My initial consultation was back in March, what took so long was the surgeon and hospital I'm using. When I went to schedule almost every single appointment, my wait was outrageous. Tricare has been nice and quick with referrals the entire time. I wish others with Tricare the best of luck!

When you sign up for Tricare, depending on the day the paperwork is submitted, your activation date is usually within a couple of weeks. I think this info might be on Tricare's website. My husband and I were enrolled in Tricare and I think my first consultation for the band was about a week later. So the wait really isn't too bad. Good luck!

Thanks Peach! I've thought about talking to my nurse practitioner and seeing if she would make a little "error" on my weight, maybe be temporarily dislexic and make 235 into 253. But I don't think she'd go for it, my hospital is also a university and they are all about accuracy (I just had my 11th preop appointment/test this morning!) I have thought about going on base but I'm not exactly sure if I can have it done there, my husband is National Guard and he's not currently on Active duty orders. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

Thanks for the tips:smile2: Unfortunately I've already done my official weigh in for the surgeon, and i'm stuck at 235. I guess now all I can do is pray and cross my fingers.

Alrighty so I tried asking my NP if she thought I had a decent chance of getting approved through tricare(triwest) with my stats and she was no help at all! So I thought I'd ask you fine people your opinions. Be honest... I'm 21, been overweight all my life. 5'2" 235 pounds, small framed. My comorbs include elevated cholesterol, back and joint pain, skin sores, and sleep hypopneas(not apnea.) Unfortunately I don't have their exact list of comorbs thats my biggest worry. However since I'm small framed I can maybe squeeze into the 200% over my ideal weight catergory, depending on how Tricare sees it. So anyways, I'd greatly appreciate all your guys' input. I've heard lots of different things about Tricare, some say they're picky, some say they had no problems!

CONGTRATULATIONS!!! I have been following your progress as I also have Triwest. I weigh about the same as you so it gives me hope that I will get approved also! That is so exciting!!!

Like you I am also and have been overweight/obese for most of my life. I too feel like this is my last hope; for being so young I've already tried anything I can think of to loose the weight. I haven't been banded yet but am in the process and I have been using this forum for several months now. It has been a great tool and resource for me to get questions answered and to find support. And as for worrying about the band not working...you just have to believe in it. Start off with a positive attitude, follow the surgeons directions, and keep working towards your goal and you'll get there:smile:

You have only had one fill since your surgery? That is probably your first problem. You have no restriction! I'm sure after your fill in June you will be doing much better. As for feeling like a failure...22 pounds lost is much better than nothing at all. You are not a failure until you have completely given up hope. But as long as you are trying, you should be proud of yourself. A lot of people lose very slowely anyways. You might try working out to help speed it along, I've also heard of people doing a combination of lap band/weight watchers or low carb. This could help get the ball rolling.Good luck and hang in there!

Hi! My PCM sent my referrel for surgery to OHSU in Portland. I know there are many other places to get it done as well. I live closer to Salem and wouldnt mind having it done at Salem Hospital for convenience but ultimately what I really want so less of a wait. Has anyone recently had surgery in the Salem/Portland area who can tell me how it went for them and how long the process with the surgeon took from start to finish? Thanks so much!

haha well I'm only 5'1" so I would like REALLY short next to him

Hi all, I'm new on here so I thought I should start with my introduction. I've been browsing this site for a few months now but just joined the other day. My journey originally started December of 2008. I talked to my PCM about WLS and he completely shot me down. told me to diet and do what my skinny friends do. So I took matters into my own hands and found a surgeon and attended a seminar. Applied for surgery but got denied by my insurance(ODS) I was crushed and had given up hope. Fast forward to April of 2009. My husband is in the Army and I now have Tricare(Triwest) and a new PCM. My new PCM was very supportive of WLS and submitted a referrel to Tricare for the surgery. Tricare approved me almost immediately for the consultations and pre-appointments(sleep study, etc.) So now I'm just working on getting these appointments out of the way. My surgeon is at OHSU in Portland, OR and they unfortunately want me to attend another seminar which isn't for a couple of weeks. I hate the waiting game. So I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that when I get everything taken care of Tricare approves me for the actual procedure. My husband got deployed to Iraq so we were never able to have a real wedding. When he gets home next summer we are going to have a big outdoor wedding and my dream is to walk down that aisle looking beautiful. PS...My name is Liz, I'm 21 years old, 5'1, BMI 42.7. It's awful being so young and so big. I'm praying for this surgery.

Congratulations! You should double check with Triwest though because they usually approve you just for the consultations and orientations first. THEN after that your surgeon submits the referrel to them for the actual surgery. At least that is what happened with me. I just got approved for the consultations so it looks like we're in about the same stages. Good luck!

Karen just 27 more pounds to go? Thats fantastic! I hope I do as well as you. I'm planning on joining a gym as well so it should help a lot. Thanks for the support!

I've begun my journey towards Lap Band surgery. I'm in the process of getting things taken care of...blood work, sleep study, meeting with the surgeon, etc. My surgery will most likely be next month. The problem is, my husband is in the Army and is serving a tour in Iraq. He won't be back until May of 2010. I feel like I'm all alone in this, and I won't have the support I need. Anyone else out there in my situation? If all goes well, I could potentially look like a whole new person when he returns home; I'm SO excited.

I've begun my journey towards Lap Band surgery. I'm in the process of getting things taken care of...blood work, sleep study, meeting with the surgeon, etc. My surgery will most likely be next month. The problem is, my husband is in the Army and is serving a tour in Iraq. He won't be back until May of 2010. I feel like I'm all alone in this, and I won't have the support I need. Anyone else out there in my situation? If all goes well, I could potentially look like a whole new person when he returns home; I'm SO excited.