So i went to my new pcm (last one was VERY anti- wls) and she was very supportive of me seeing the weight loss specailist. So she requested that i have blood drawn, just to make sure im healthy enough for the surgery. Ive tried so many different things, supervised diets, weight watchers, alli pills....ect and nothing. I go back to my doctor on the first of feb to get my referral, and i know tricare has to aprrove it, but what happens after that? If youve used tricare to cover your surgery, what was your experience? thanks in advance

I have tricare prime and after you get the referral to see the bariatric doctor you have to do a 6 month supervised diet and be within the requirements. I also had to have a psych evaluation. The surgeon may have other requirements different than tricare but you also have to fulfill those too.I started my journey in April and now I am 10 days from surgery. My approval took about 2 weeks and was approved the first time around.

After you get your referral, you want to make sure that you get everything scheduled as soon as possible.

If you have any more questions i'll be happy to answer them!

I have Tricare Prime also. I did not have a 6 month diet wait. I think it depends on which region you are in. I'm in Tricare South. All I had to do was have my PCM referral. Have a psych eval, an EGD, chest X-ray and bloodwork. The whole process was about 3 months. Tricare gave the approval in 2 days.

I am in the west region. that does make a difference.

I am in the west region. that does make a difference.

Thank you both for your input. I am in tricare south and many people have told me its rather fast. Im also on base so ill be referred to a specailist most likely on base. Thank you both again

I am Tricare Prime and am in the south. I started my journey on November 18th and am now scheduled for surgery February 12th. I had to get a referral to my bariatric surgeon (who is actually off post), psych, physical therapy, and a sleep study. Otherwise it was classes and weigh in at the bariatric clinic. It will seem like a lot of requirements are needed but it makes the time go really quick! Good luck to you on your journey.

I also have Tricare Prime South. I've completed all the clearances and just waiting for my surgeon's office to call me and give me a date. Last update, they haven't received my lab work from Novemeber, so I am hoping that it has been faxed to them by now. Keeping my fingers crossed.

They haven't gotten your lab work from November??? I would be calling someone everyday until that was taken care of. There's no excuse for that delay.

I called today and they got it, finally!! Now I just wait. Keeping my fingers crossed that I hear something sooner rather than later!!!

I'm tricare prime north region and started my process and aug 10 and was approved for surgery by the beginning of November I was not required to wait 6 months the bariactric nurse here said they use to require it but they don't anymore. The only reason I'm not having my surgery until feb 5th is because there was a wait list. Good luck

I am Tricare prime overseas, I didn't have to wait 6 months. I am scheduled for March.. 3 time being rescheduled because my surgeon likes taking vacation . Nice to see there are other military spouses on here!