Greetings all,

I am just going to lay it all out there because that is WHAT I DO! I am active duty military and I want to continue my military career! I have had two children back to back and since then have struggle significantly to lose weight (story of my life). I absolutely LOVE serving my country and want nothing more than to continue. Weight Loss surgery is actually frowned upon and could get me in a lot of trouble, but so could being overweight. I am at a cross roads with what to do. I already know I will come out of pocket if I was going to follow thru. My question is, from start to finish how long did it take to get banded? Time is NOT on my side and this may be my last resort before the Military sends me packing. Please help!

Wow thats alot to take in..

Hello, I am new here...actually this is my first post. However, I just had my consult and my doctor said that it could take 3 months to get all in order for the surgery then after it is in, a month to "get used to it" but there is no liquid in it. Then you get a fill and your off to losing weight. I hope this helps and good luck! Thank you for all that you do for our freedom!

I am not sure how to help you but as a self pay it was a short time from the initial consult to surgery. About 6 weeks. It took 2 weeks to set up and go to the psych eval and dietician. Then it took a few days to schedule surgery and then of course the 2 wk pre op diet....

The band isn't a quick fix, fad diet or gimmick. It's a life style change and you must be dedicated to success and committed to doing everything it takes to get there...

Best of luck as you consider your options

I am self pay and will be banded in December. I could have had surgery within a couple of weeks of my first contact with the office if I had wanted to. Well, I DID want to, but I've been working out of town and December is the earliest that *I* could do it. It's differnet with each doctor, but that's my experience.

The thing is, you dont have the surgery and get thin right away - if the military were to send you packing for being obese, you're still going to be obese for quite a long time, surgery or not. Or will simply showing you're losing weight be enough?

by the way, what do you mean "frowned upon". Where does ANY organisation get off dictating how employees can deal with health issues? weight loss surgery is the most sensible, effective and long term way to deal with obesity. Sheesh.

Self-pay does tend to go very quickly from what I have seen on this forum. However, as the prior post indicated it won't be instant weight loss. The ideal weight loss for this surgery is 1-2 lbs per week. The first few weeks with the pre-op and post op you will have some big weight loss but after that it will likely hover around the 1-2 lbs per week. Also know that the band is only a tool and you will still have to be willing to modify your diet and activity. Guessing since you are military, you are accustomed to exercise as you will need to incorporate that into your regimine as well for this to be successful.

While I know you said this is frowned upon, have you checked to make sure your insurance doesn't cover it? I would hate to see you shell out that money if your insurance will cover it. You can call them to find out and none of your superiors would need to know. If it is covered, your medical records are still your private information thanks to HIPAA but not sure if there are different circumstances with the military and what you have to disclose.

Good luck to you!

I know when it's self paid there really is not much wait time, its pretty much up to you. Also, the band is the safest imo and it is reversible so if you need it out due to military, you always have that option. But being in the military, i can only imagine how much weight you can lose and how fast you can lose it if you are determined. Let it help you as the tool it is and you kick ass with good food choices and exercise and there will be no stopping you! Good Luck on the decision!

I suspect you have Tri-Care, I also have it but I am retired. I would check on-line to see if Active Tri-Care covers your band before I would pay. thank you for your service. Hugs