I'm on Tricare and one of the requirements is that I had to meet with the wellness coordinator and go on a 6-month diet and weight loss program. Well, I met with LCDR B today and she ran over me like a freight train.

First of all she had never heard of the band and kept calling it gastric bypass. She kept going on about the complications and wouldn't listen when I tried to explain how the band is different - no leakage, staples, etc.

I told her I'm in a dilemma because Tricare requires a person to be 100 pounds overweight and I'm right there. If I do a 6-month program, of course I'll lose weight, but I'll gain it back. I had printed out my history of weight loss attempts over the past 27 years - she wouldn't even look at it. She said of course I'll fail because I'm not mentally ready to lose weight, if I really wanted to lose it I would, so no surgery will help me, and that if I'll gain it back without the band I'll gain it back with the band.

I asked her why she thought I could lose weight and keep it off under her program when I couldn't with any other of the programs I've followed in the past 27 years. She said if I really wanted to lose it I could.

I asked her what her long-term success rate was with her program, and she said she didn't know, she doesn't follow up.

I asked her if she had ever dealt with anyone who had 100 pounds to lose and she wouldn't answer.

She said a friend of hers had gastric bypass and lost the weight and she always tells her it was a waste of time, that she could have done it without the surgery.

I sat there in her office and cried like a baby. I'm so disgusted with myself.

Then she put in my file that I refuse to cooperate in her required fitness program.

So I'm meeting with my PCP Tuesday, and I have a feeling I'm going to have to pay for this out of pocket. I'm so frustrated.

Dani

I am SO sorry that you had this experience. Those who haven't been there often don't understand or what to. I believe she was trying to get to you. Don't give her the pleasure of giving up! I also have tricare and I know it's hard. Be Blessed and keep the faith!