Hello~

I was banded a little over three years ago, and have since lost 150+ lbs. However, in the last 18 months I have stopped losing (which I still need to do) and have gradually gained some back (about 25lbs). I have always be ULTRA sensitive to my band, I have had to have all the liquids removed twice due to complications. One just happened three weeks ago, and since the liquid is out, to be honest I haven’t felt this good in over a year. This doesn't count all the multipy trips to the Dr. office after a fill to have some taken out cause I couldn't swallow liquid. I tend to swell anytime they mess with my band. This has led me to the thought of just having it removed for good. Then someone told me about the sleeve, which has taken me on a two week information mission.

What I have learned from reading this site and others is TriCARE does not the surgery, however, we can have it preformed at a MTF. So my questions are. 1. Where do I start since I am tricare standard, and don’t have a PCM. 2. Will they perform VSG since I have already been band? 3. I live in Delaware does anyone know where the closest MTF that does VSG is? Thanks in advance for any help!

Tiffykins is the Tricare Guru, but I will try to answer as much as I can. I am Tricare standard as well and I'm in DC at Bethesda. I'm having my surgery in Portsmouth because Bethesda couldn't seem to get their act together.

1. You have to have a PCM. They required it at Bethesda and Portsmouth so I'm assuming its standard across the board. Your PCM will coordinate everything and is the one who has to refer you for VSG.

2.I'm not sure about them doing a revision, but if you've been having so many complications with the band, I don't see why they wouldn't. That is something you would have to discuss with the surgeon.

3. I'm not sure about this one. I don't remember ever seeing a list of MTF's that perform Bariatrics. I already knew that WR/Bethesda had a program and I heard about Portsmouth from a friend. The most important thing is making sure you will be allowed to travel to an MTF if the one closest to you does not have a program. It took me being really assertive (thanks to a push from TIffykins) and calling Portsmouth myself and asking.

I hope it works out, and you can PM me if you want to vent or talk!

Thanks for answering so quickly.

So my next questions are:

1. What should my PCM say on the referral, and a civilian PCM would work?

2. How long does the process take? Ideally I would like it during the summer when the kids are out of school. However, begger would be choosy.

3. Portsmouth VA? How is the faculity? Both Bethesda and Portsmouth VA are about 2 1/2 hours away from me, so either would work.

Thanks again!!

Thanks for answering so quickly.

So my next questions are:

1. What should my PCM say on the referral, and a civilian PCM would work?

2. How long does the process take? Ideally I would like it during the summer when the kids are out of school. However, begger would be choosy.

3. Portsmouth VA? How is the faculity? Both Bethesda and Portsmouth VA are about 2 1/2 hours away from me, so either would work.

Thanks again!!

No problem!

1. Your PCM doesnt have to write much on the referral. If your PCM and you agree to it, the bariatric team usually welcomes you with open arms. As long as you meet the required BMI or BMI with comorbidities, you shouldn't have any trouble.

2. This depends on the facility and you. My process took a while because I had to get all of the tests done while attending nursing school, then Bethesda and WR were going through the BRAC nonsense so that took even longer, which is why I ended up down in Portsmouth. You may have better luck at Bethesda since they've finished moving. If you start now, you have a good chance of getting a summer date DEPENDING on their waiting list.

3. The facility is very nice. I've always been impressed with it. I've never been an inpatient there, but I will tell you about my experience after the 6th. I'm with Dr. Mann and I believe Dr. Linn is the surgeon at Bethesda.

I had to have my lapband removed due to a slip and I think the Sleeve is worth waiting for since this is a decision I have to live with for the rest of my life. I am watching Medicare to see if they approve it in late March and then as I understand Tricare will follow. I'm not near an MTF and I already have a doctor I want to do the surgery at a great hospital near by.

Best of luck with your situation. Please keep us posted on your progress.

I PRAY PRAY PRAY that Tricare will cover VSG! I have Tricare Standard as well and wasn't sure how to go about getting myself into the bariatric program at our MTF... but I'll follow NaturalR's advice. thank you!