I'm currently on Tricare Prime, and I have a dilemma. I've read the manual and talked to my PCP - but neither had much info about Lapband. My understanding is that Tricare requires a person to be at least 100 pounds overweight, in addition to the BMI and comorbidity requirements. Now I've found out that the Tricare Prime that covers Key West also requires a 6-month supervised weight loss program before anyone can be approved for wls.

I am right at 100 pounds overweight. If I lose any weight at all I will no longer meet the 100-lb requirement. I'm told I can possibly get a waiver, but no guarantees. So instead of wasting 6 months just to be turned down, does anyone know if Tricare Standard has the 6-month requirement? I'd happily pay a co-pay if it would mean less red tape.

I'd really appreciate anyone's Tricare advice - particularly Lapband experiences in the Florida area. I know it's a new procedure for Tricare, and any real-world info would be helpful.

Thanks - Dani

Have you contacted your Tricare rep? They might be able to help you out.

I have Tricare south and they were awesome! I got in for surgery within weeks of my seminar. Tricare paid for all but about a hundred bucks. My doctor thought I had to pay more but ended up refunding me later. Anyway, call Tricare and ask for help finding a provider. You may be able to find one in a nearby town. Or just start making calls to other lapband surgeons within driving distance. It's worth it even if you have to drive an hour or two.

thanks. you have to be lucky with tricare and get someone who know what they're talking about. I am attending a seminar on tuesday with NYU Dr. Fielding. A friend of mine recommended him.

Well that didn't work out. The truth is NYC is not a "military friendly city" especially when it comes to health insurance. Most people don't even know about Tricare.

Going to another seminar at Lenox Hill. Hoping this is the one. :thumbup: