I am new to the forum. I started trolling a couple of days ago when I found out the military will pay for the surgery. I have learned tons, and have made an appointment to start the journey on Monday.

My spouse supports me but doesn't really like the idea of surgery for weight loss. I have tried all kinds of diets and can loose a few pounds, but more come back than I started with. I have done slimfast, South Beach, hcG, Chinese herbs, you get the picture. I am 100lbs overweight and have Hashimoto's (hypothyroid). I am over 40, so that isn't helping either.

I would love a buddy or mentor who has been there or is there

Monica

What was the hardest part of getting banded?

Thanks for the heads up, I will start looking, via the web tomorrow.

all the pre ops (time consuming)

and the all liquid 2 week pre and post op's diet

tricare north prime

So we have the same insurance. So I will find a dr over the weekend so that I have a name to take with me on monday

you take charge and take control. you can do this.

look online for surgeons in your area

Thank you! I needed that

here for you anytime

you can pm me or email or whatever you need

I called around today, but they said to call tricare. Tricare said they didn't have a list, that I would have to compare general surgeons to the bariatric surgeons....

I am thinking I will have a long talk with the nutritionist and then make a follow up with my new PCM.

I called around today, but they said to call tricare. Tricare said they didn't have a list, that I would have to compare general surgeons to the bariatric surgeons....

I am thinking I will have a long talk with the nutritionist and then make a follow up with my new PCM.

surely, if you call any bariatric office, they will or should tell you if they accept tricare. i must have called 3 or 4 before i found the one i did whodid accept it. perhaps your nutritionist will know one.

Hi Monica, I don't have Tricare but I do have the leg tingling/numbness you describe. I had back surgery in Feb 2010 for sudden pain and lack of response in my right foot; had what they call a discectomy where the surgeon removes enough of the disc to stop the symptoms. This time my primary care doctor advised lose weight first and then if it continues go the MRI route. You don't say where in VA you are but I had my surgery done at Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax with Bluepoint. I've heard that Virginia Hospital Center, formerly Arlington Hospital, is now a Center of Excellence for Bariatric surgery so you might try them. My sons were born there and we liked it very much.

I'm glad yoiu left that awful first doctor in your dust - she didn't deserve any better. Good luck, I'm sure you'll find the right surgeon who takes Tricare. Hang in there!