I am new to the VGS comunity and I have a few quesions. I have tricare and I am getting reffered off base. Can I have the surgery off base or does it need to be in a MTF? Is there anybody who has gotten approved for the sleeve in a timley manner? My mother-in-law had the bypass dont and she was retired and tricare covered the whole thing. I have diabetes, high blood pressure and my BMI is a 64. I weigh 310 and in the past month I have been exercising and trying my best to loose weight but nothing has happened. I have been researching the sleeve and talked with my PCM and he recomended the sleeve as well. I hope that I get approved and can start this journey to the new me.

Hello and welcome to the board. I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your question, but I still wanted to welcome you. Also a side note, you and my sister share the same name!! Good luck on your path to a healthier life.

Hi!

I had way too many problems with an off base approval, plus it took a really long time even though I was clearly in need. I don't think the sleeve is covered; only Lapband and RNY....but these things change all the time so who knows.

I ended up going to Balboa through their MTF and their program is AWESOME. I think the sleeve is covered through Balboa and Bethesda MTF's.

Hi!

I had way too many problems with an off base approval, plus it took a really long time even though I was clearly in need. I don't think the sleeve is covered; only Lapband and RNY....but these things change all the time so who knows.

I ended up going to Balboa through their MTF and their program is AWESOME. I think the sleeve is covered through Balboa and Bethesda MTF's.

I'll have to look into that. I'm at Mcconnell and my PCP is amazing.

Triwest does cover this outside of a MTF! I just got a confirmation!!!

That is AWESOME! So much has changed. I wish you luck and no problems that I had. Just know that if for some reason you are having to jump through hoops, ask to go to a MTF. The hassle I went through was such a nightmare. Good Luck!