HotToddy

Dr Brian Mirza is an wonderful surgeon. He is located in the Galleria area.

I think it also depends on your military status also. We are retired military and our annual out of pocket is $3000. I know active duty family members can also elect to have standard instead of prime....this may explain the difference in annual deductibles. I miss the days when my DH was active duty=little or no out of pocket expenses.

Congratulations!!!

It all depends on how much of your annual deductible you have met this year. I paid $3000 because I had not paid anything this year. Remember its the fiscal year and not the calendar year. Also the hospital gave me the option to pay it in full or use an interest free monthly payment plan. Hope this helps. Good luck to you

Melloways you motivate me to get out and exercise more. I go to the gym now but who knows, maybe I will walk around the neighborhood . I was banded on 11/20 ansd so far I have lost 19 lbs. My first fill is scheduled for 12/21. I feel as if I am behind, alot of banders have already had their first fill and are waiting for their second fill. That's okay, I do feel as if I have some sort of restriction. I am on mushies and I have gotten stuck twice while eating green chile chicken soup (my favorite). I have a low profile port....anyone experience a fill with this type of port?

Elfie, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. One would never know that you were facing a crisis by the content of your posts. You somehow managed to offer encouragement to others during your time of sorrow. Good luck and congrats on your weight loss.

I agree with mimilou. I was approved in 2 days. I would certainly call and speak with someone other than a customer service rep. Good luck!!!

This is a very good topic that addresses alot of important points. Unfortunately due to the negative overtones of the posts many people will not participate in the discussion. Isn't the purpose of this forum to help and encourage each other through this life changing transformation? Good Luck to everyone.

I am glad that you are trying to get approved again. I have Tricare Standard and I was approved in less than 48 hours. I am 100lbs overweight and have a MILD form of sleep apnea. If you do not have any qualifying co-morbidities, have you surgeon order a sleep study. The results of the sleep study helped me to qualify for the lap-band. Good luck to you.

Scooter, please do not let a few unkind words deter you from frequenting this forum. I do not post often, but I frequent the site daily in hopes of learning new and valuable information. This site and its members have been a blessing to me. Now to answer your question, I did experience some pain and discomfort after my procedure. But I took my pain medication when needed and walked alot. Today I am 8 days post-op and I have been pain free for 5 days. Good luck to you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Also Tricare Prime is for active duty service members and their family members. Tricare Standard is for retired service members and their families. I have Standard and Tricare paid for 80% of my procedure. I had to pay $450 out of pocket to my surgeon and an additional fee to the hospital (waiting for the bill now). I had my surgery on 11/20 and I am so grateful for Tricare. :ohmy:

Hi All, I hope that everyone is well. I am feeling 100% better. I am going back to work tomorrow (the day of our Thanksgiving potluck). I am not concerned about temptation because I still have ZERO appetite. I will keep you all in my prayers.

I will keep you in my prayers.

I want in.. HotToddy HT: 5'6" Surgery: 11/20/09" no pre-op diet Surgery Weight: 219 Current Weight: 210

Hello All, I was banded on 11/20 and I am having the same symptoms as everyone else (gas, bloated, port pain). I have to force myself to eat/drink because I have ZERO appetite. I am on Clear Liquids for 2 weeks, full liquids for 2 weeks, then soft foods. Did anyone else do a Barium swallow post-op? Good luck to everyone.

I am getting banded on 11/20 at 2pm. I am so excited!! I am a little concerned because my pre-op diet is only 2 days.... My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Toddy

Tricare does not have any dieting requirements. Some insurances do require a 6 month supervised diet, but not Tricare. In fact, Tricare does not require any additional testing other than the surgeons routine testing (blood work, EKG, etc). I did not have to undergo nutritional counseling or a psych evaluation. If you perform a "Tricare" search on this forum, you will learn wonderful things that will make your journey alot easier. It did for me. P.S....my band date is 11/20!!!

Good luck to all!!! I am getting banded Friday 11/20.

God has blessed me with a husband and 2 wonderful children.

I have Tricare standard. I had no problems getting approved. My surgeon submitted the paperwork and it was approved in less than 48 hours. :tongue2: Wt: 214 Ht: 5'6" Comorbities: sleep Apnea (very mild, no CPAP). I don't think you will have a problem. I haven't been banded yet....2 weeks to go.