Hey all

We all know by now that tricare does not pay for lap band. ALthough some people have luck getting them to do so. It seems like the only option for us in going through a military hospital. Can someone give me the names of all the military hospitals that perform lap band? I have been trying to locate the info online for months with no results. Also, does anyone know if it's possible to travel outside your region to goto one of those mtf that do it?

It is my understanding (from talking to people) that walter reed does ( I heard a rumor that they are closing that hospital), fort bliss is starting in January, and wilford hall on lackland afb may or may not be doing it.

I would really appreciate any help with this.

I don't have any answers for you, but I will be very interested in reading any replies.

Did you try http://obesityhelp.com? I THINK there was something in there about that in the insurance section where patients write in and let you know what was covered and where...I'd go to that site and try a search. Oh btw, Walter Reed IS scheduled to close in the last BRAC round...They were fighting it, but not sure how successful they'll be. WRAMC was one one of the BEST places for treatment I went when ex-DH was in USAF in early 90's.

hey dotofoz

I did goto obesityhelp. that is actually where i spoke to the folks who gave me the information i have. I will go back in look under insurance. Thanks! i tried going to the various hospitals sites, but they don't list what all types of surgery they do, just a generalize category. It's so frustrating. Do you know anything about traveling outside of your own region. I'm at fort leonard wood in tricare west. My husband is trying to get stationed at fort hood. I have heard that wilford hall on lackland is doing it. I also hear that all mtfs that do wls have tremedous waiting list. I would be willing to go down there for all my preop stuff now since my hometown is like 5 hours away.

Did you try http://obesityhelp.com? I THINK there was something in there about that in the insurance section where patients write in and let you know what was covered and where...I'd go to that site and try a search. Oh btw, Walter Reed IS scheduled to close in the last BRAC round...They were fighting it, but not sure how successful they'll be. WRAMC was one one of the BEST places for treatment I went when ex-DH was in USAF in early 90's

I don't have any answers for you, but I will be very interested in reading any replies.

Hey minipinmom,

I saw that you had posted that tricare had approved you.:clap2: Have you gotten a surgery date yet? I really hope it all works out

I have had my psych eval and have gotten in most of my medical records. I am still trying to find a nutritionist/dietian that can get me in. Then we submit and fight fight fight. - or so I hear.

Thanks so much for this thread. Two days ago I consulted with the Tricare Prime doc at the Navy Hospital and surprisingly he was very helpful. He seemed supportive, which I NEVER get there. He actually read the stuff I had printed out about Tricare and the procedure, and he researched it while I waited, then said I need to meet with a dietitian and some other specialists to meet the Tricare requirements.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up, considering what I've just read in this thread. I hope people will keep posting - I'd really appreciate any info about the Tricare experience.

Dani,

I'm also tricare and have met with the wellness clinic. She wasn't completely evil, but then she runs marathons for the fun of it and doesn't eat sweets at all. IF ONLY... anyway, it's been a few months since this

Aug post. What have you found out? Thx. Jamie at Ft. Bragg. NC

Have you called Inamed? They make the lap-band and have a list of doctors and the hospitals that they work with, maybe they can check the list for a military hospital? ~Mandy

Hi Jamie -

I don't know about military hospitals, but I know Tricare does not cover the band as of now. My understanding is that since the VA and Tricare for Life cover it, Tricare may be adding coverage in 2007, but of course no way to confirm. Personally I've given up on them and am paying for it myself.

Good luck!

Dani,

. She wasn't completely evil, but then she runs marathons for the fun of it and doesn't eat sweets at all.

Sorry, but HAD to laugh!!! Sounds like my primary care dr. She's great, but not too supportive of the wls. lets' put it this way, she's about 5' tall, 95 pounds (yes, even after having 2 kids), blond, gorgeous, and has diamond jewelery that weigh more than she does, but I'm going for it anyway....

Hi, I Do Know That My Vbf Had The Surgery Using Tricare Ins About 5 Yrs Ago And She Use Dr. Felix Spiegel In Groves,tx. Everything Was Covered At A 100%.