My husband is stationed in HI and I just got a referral from my pcm on friday. He told me that it will take a week or two to hear from my surgeon fir my first visit. I know the process is a little bit different since I don't have to go through insurance because im getting it done on tripler army hospital. Has anyone gone through the military to get it done and if so what was the timeline like?

I had my surgery with Dr Payne on Thursday and it went very well. It was a little ironic that when I awoke in my room my nurse was Nurse Panic.... Dr Payne, Nurse Panic... I see some sort of theme going here! (Her name was actually "Paneesh" but it read Panic on her name tag!)

I had my band done in Nov 08 and went to have a re-eval done in Jan 12. I probably could have done it sooner but my life wasn't ready for surgery.

I am feeling great. Feel slightly like I was hit by a Mack truck but am moving well and only taking tylenol now.

This was an easier seeming surgery to me. I think I was in better shape than the original. I was up and walking every 2 hours and in little pain... thanks to the PCA I had little pain the entire time.

Congratulations, hirsandy!!! I'm so excited for you! I don't know what's up w Tripler Docs names... My husband had "Dr Foote" when he had his foot surgery. LOL

I will be sleeved in 2 days at BAMMC on Fort Sam Houston. I was required to 3 months of nurtition classes, chest x-rays, psych eval, 2 week liquid diet, sleep study, 2 support group meetings....

It's been a long 3 months, but I am finally at the finishing line.

Tripler used to require a monthly walking group. Don't know if they still do that. The hope was that during the waiting time you would become more used to exercise and set a routine. Hey, if you are in the Tripler area and want some fitness help, Dr. Verschelle (from Behavioral Psych) has free sessions with a personal trainer. I was given 4 sessions before my band and hired Kristy for my weekly trainer. I still go to her (she's at Schofield gym). I just emailed her that I thought the pain that she put me through weekly prepared me to be able to handle the pain of surgery!

Kristy told me recently that she didn't know why Dr. V wasn't giving more out... she is willing and ready to work with his patients.I just told him that I had heard of them and wanted them and he gave me the order for the sessions.

I will be sleeved in 2 days at BAMMC on Fort Sam Houston. I was required to 3 months of nurtition classes, chest x-rays, psych eval, 2 week liquid diet, sleep study, 2 support group meetings....

It's been a long 3 months, but I am finally at the finishing line.

Good luck on Thursday! Prayers going up for you!

FINALLY met my new PCM today and she put in the referral for me. one hurdle cleared... On to the next...

I had mine through Darnell Army Medical on Fort Hood. The beginning of the process goes quickly. Then you are put on a wait list. Don't pressure yourself on time because they can call anywhere between 3-9 months after you are waitlisted. I was on the list in October and got mine April 9th. Its good to wait a bit and get your head on straight and get into good habits in advance. Good luck and have patience!!