Sorry if this question is in the wrong forum. I am from central Illinois, but I'd be willing to drive a few hours to a MTF that will do the sleeve. I have been researching the band and got the referral, but now I'm having second thoughts about it. I can't figure out which military hospitals actually do VSG because I know it's not all of them. My spouse is active duty.

There are several MTF's that perform the VSG. My husband is active duty Air Force, and I had my band to sleeve revision at Eglin AFB. I know there are a couple of MTF's in OK and TX that are performing the VSG.

You're best bet would be to call the general surgery clinic for the MTF's that are close to you, and find out what options are available.

If you have Prime, you have to stay within 100 miles of your home base. If you have Tricare Standard, you could go see a civilian and pay the out of pocket expense scheduled by Tricare and the surgeon.

If you have Prime, you have to stay within 100 miles of your home base. If you have Tricare Standard, you could go see a civilian and pay the out of pocket expense scheduled by Tricare and the surgeon.

Thanks for the fast reply! I have Prime Remote, so I don't think that 100 miles thing pertains to me. Since Tricare doesn't approve the VSG, I was wondering about the MTF's. I won't have any problem getting banded about 10 miles away, so I guess that's the path I'll have to take for now, unless I want to wait for Tricare to start approving the sleeve. The only MTF within 100 miles of me is Scott AFB and they only have a clinic and not a hospital.

Thanks again!

Kristin

Oh I don't know anything about all that because I am in San Diego and have Balboa hospital. Where is the closest military hospital? You said the closest clinic was 100 miles but what about a full service hospital?

I have met people at Balboa that have traveled 6 hours to go to their appointments. Most clinics are understanding and they try to schedule everything on the same day. Is this possible for you?

Thanks for the fast reply! I have Prime Remote, so I don't think that 100 miles thing pertains to me. Since Tricare doesn't approve the VSG, I was wondering about the MTF's. I won't have any problem getting banded about 10 miles away, so I guess that's the path I'll have to take for now, unless I want to wait for Tricare to start approving the sleeve. The only MTF within 100 miles of me is Scott AFB and they only have a clinic and not a hospital.

Thanks again!

Kristin

I have a friend who had RNY with Tricare Prime Remote, and she had some out of pocket, but she is elated with her choice. She saw a civilian, and before getting banded, I would really consider trying to find out all of the options. Even if that means looking for another surgeon that will do VSG.

No one could pay me to have a band again. Grant it, I've had a couple of complications since the revision, but I do not regret the decision to get the dreaded band out of my body.

Tricare will cover the VSG if you can find a military installation that will perform the VSG. Here in our area VSG is taking over the band and RNY surgeries because of the success and the approval process has been much easier.

Good luck on your journey. . . If you ever want or need to chat feel free to contact me here.

Oh I don't know anything about all that because I am in San Diego and have Balboa hospital. Where is the closest military hospital? You said the closest clinic was 100 miles but what about a full service hospital?

I have met people at Balboa that have traveled 6 hours to go to their appointments. Most clinics are understanding and they try to schedule everything on the same day. Is this possible for you?

Ft. Campbell, KY is about 6 hours from me and my husband said he'd gladly drive me there and stay a few days if necessary. I'm going to call them tomorrow because someone on another board said they'd had their VSG there. I imagine I could do my pre-op stuff here and then just go down for the surgery? I wouldn't even mind going twice or three times, that's not a bad drive.

Okay, just an FYI in case someone else is looking into this. I called Blanchfield Army Hospital at Ft. Campbell, KY. They are not doing VSG at the moment at all. They have done 40 of them, they love the procedure, and now all VSG is on hold (at their hospital) until Tricare adds it to their allowed procedures.

They told me that they wouldn't allow me to drive there, we'd have to be stationed there.

I think this is all good information. It makes me wonder how soon Tricare will approve VSG.

Thanks again to everyone for the replies and information.

Are you retired or dependent retired? Is TriCare Prime an option for you at next open enrollment? I am almost positive TriCare West pays VSG.

Oh and if you have TriCare prime or are active duty dependent you can NOT be denied care at any military health facility. Period. It does not matter where you are stationed. Keep calling military hospitals.

I'm an active duty family member with Prime Remote (North) and I can either get Lap-Band or RNY locally, but VSG isn't an option yet. I would have pushed harder if they were even doing them at that facility. I don't have any other options right now that would be a reasonable drive for me, unfortunately.

It is good to know that they can't deny me care, though!

Hey Check this out!!!

Agreement Expands Beneficiaries' Access to Bariatric Surgery

Wilford Hall Medical Center - Home

Can you travel to Texas? Don't let them tell you no.

TRicare Prime approved, Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio will be doing the surgery. I do live in the area though. Have you checked into Whiteman AFB in Missouri?

I'm in Maryland, and trying to find a military hospital with a decent wait list (would love to get the VSG by Christmas!?!!) - does anyone know of any military hospitals that do it in this area??? I can't BELIEVE Bethesda doesn't have a bariatric center!!

Sheri (tricare standard and retired USN)

I live in Lemoore CA and am trying to find a MTF to do my VSG. HELP

I don't know of any but I am also in Central Illinois!! Howdy neighbor! I am being sleeved in Springfield with Dr Hammer 8/8.

I'm in Maryland, and trying to find a military hospital with a decent wait list (would love to get the VSG by Christmas!?!!) - does anyone know of any military hospitals that do it in this area??? I can't BELIEVE Bethesda doesn't have a bariatric center!!

Sheri (tricare standard and retired USN)

See if you can get into the John Hopkins program! ! ! I know of one military spouse (her husband is retired) that was able to switch to the John Hopkins Health plan through Tricare for Life and had her VSG performed at John Hopkins without an issue and paid the normal Standard fee rates.