I'm in search of the best Military Treatment Facilities in the country that do VSG. My own PCM states that she would have Gastric Bypass/RNY at a civilian clinic instead of the Sleeve if that meant going to an MTF. That statement made me very nervous as I have always used civilian care for anything serious. I've gone to Wright Patterson as a child for some minor procedures and that would be convenient since I have family in Ohio.

I'm researching the MTF option but I'm not sure where this rabbit hole will take me. I currently live in Charleston, SC but would travel if that meant I would get the very best treatment. This is a decision that can't be undone and it has to be done right the first time, no do over's.

I've considered waiting for Tricare to cover the VSG but it may take a few years. As I understand it Tricare will follow Medicare and they are in the process of approval but need more data before they can make a decision. If you look back at the time frame for the LapBand Coverage Medicare started coverage in February of 2006 and Tricare did not announce coverage until January of 2008. THAT'S ALMOST 2 YEARS!!!! I simply can not wait that long!

Well I'm running out of options. MTF's are not willing to work with patients that do not neatly fit into their program. I've contacted the largest programs in the county and none will take out of area patients.

Now I'm researching MTF's closer to me. The Naval Base in Jacksonville, 4 hours away will not work with patients that do not live in the area and they do not do revisions. My only two options now are Fort Gordon (146 miles) and Fort Jackson (111miles). I never thought I would say this but GO ARMY!

Just waiting to hear back.....not knowing is tough!

I had my sleeve at Fort Gordon Georgia. The only thing I paid was $16 a night for the 2 nights I spent in the hospital post-op. Tomarrow will be one year. Dr. Choi is the best. Everything was covered. I guess the Army covered the cost. I called tricare about the surgery and they knew nothing about it . But i never got a bill. Army covered it all.

I'm on the other side of the country, but I had my sleeve done at Madigan on Ft Lewis (JBLM) and I've been very happy with the support groups, doctors and care while in the hospital.

Best Dr

Walter Reed Medical Center, Bethesda, MD

I recently had mine done at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth Virginia. I had wonderful care. I can't say enough good things about the Bariatric doctor.

Edited January 12, 201610 yr by tiffany94

I just opened a new group for military spouse. It is an open group if anyone wants to join. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1222194057810690?ref=bookmarks