grneyedvenus

Hi, Dani. I am not in FL, but I had my surgery done under Tricare Prime (South). They did not require me to do a six month supervised diet UNLESS my surgeon required it. All I had to do was get the referral to the surgeon from my primary provider. Once with the surgeon they evaluated whether or not I qualified and submitted all of the paperwork. I had my surgery six months ago, and at that time Tricare required that I was at least 100#'s overweight with two co-existing morbidities (for me it was narcolepsy and asthma). Alternatively, you had to be at least 150% over your ideal weight with no other problems. (I believe that they now require that you are 200% with no other problems.) I hope that this helps. Talk to your surgeon and find out what they require. Then go from there. And a word on the six month diet, just because you're on a supervised diet doesn't mean that you *have* to lose weight. It oly means that you must be able to show compliance and are still unable to lose a *significant* amount of weight on your own. Another surgeon (not my own) even recommended to his patients that they gain a little. (I'm a nurse, so I see several surgeons and hear all of their *advice* regularly.) Good luck!!!

Hi, first off, take a deep breath and relax--you're on vacation. Then, when you get back you can deal with the process. I hope this will help you a little. I had my surgery done under Tricare Prime. This is what I had to do: First, I had to go to my Primary provider. The primary had to make a referral to the surgeon. Tricare approved the referral. Once I got the letter in the mail (couple of days) I could make my appointment. When I went to the surgeon they made the referrals for the psychological evaluation and dietary consult as well as submitting the qualifying info to Tricare. Once all of it was submitted, I was *approved*. Tricare sent a letter to my Primary provider and the surgeon. At this point, I could then schedule the surgery. All that Tricare required of me was that I was at least 100#'s overweight with two co-existing morbidities or at least 150% of my *ideal weight* with no co-existing problems. The process was fairly simple, quick, and painless. But, my surgeon's office was VERY knowledgable and knew exactly what paperwork to send and in what order. The first step is that you have to have a referral from your primary caregiver to the surgeon. From there, your surgeon should be up on what has to be done. And, you can call and check progress with Tricare. But, not all of the reps know what they are talking about--so if you get an answer that just seems to be off from what you've been hearing, call back and speak to someone else. Good luck!!! :blushing:

Hi, all. I am new to the forum. I found it while searching for information on pregnancy with the band. I was banded Thanksgiving of '08 and just found out that I am pregnant!!! My other two children are about to turn 13 and 15. So, we're a little shocked to say the least. :w00t: Anyway, I was told that I would have to be unfilled for pregnancy. However, when I went back to my surgeon he said that it wouldn't be necessary at this point. I only have about 1.5cc's in my band (He believes in slow and cautious fills) and have lost ~66lbs. to date. I would like advice from other bandsters who haven't been unfilled (and well any others really). What kind of eating plan are different people following to get what they need. My surgeon recommended 80-100 grams of Protein per day, supplementing with shakes if necessary. Just a little nervous about all of this...banded, pregnant, and quite out of practice. :blushing: Kim