Hi! My husband is in the Air Force and we are stationed at Lackland AFB, TX. I was seriously considering the RNY surgery, but was too scared of the possible complications and side effects. Just this past week I found out that Tricare is now covering the lap band surgery. I had said before that if they ever did I would do it in a heartbeat.

However, we will be moving this summer (more than likely) and I don't want to start the process of getting approved and then have to start it over when we move. I just hope where ever we move I will be able to find a good surgeon. Does anyone know how to look for a great surgeon in the bariatric field? Or have any tips of what to look for? Also, my BMI is only 34 right now however I am borderline diabetic, I have PCOS, hypertension, high cholesterol, and had my gall bladder removed 10/07. I could still lose 100lbs and be in my normal wt. range though.

Also, I'm looking for people's experiences with getting the lap band. What I can look forward to, or not? I'm very excited for this journey! I know that with the lap band I'm not going to drop 60lbs in a month or anything and this is particularly why I chose the lap band. I really wanted something that will help me keep off the wt. more effectively than just diet and exercising. I really see this as a tool to lose wt. more than just a miracle wt. loss procedure. Thanks in advance for all your advice!:wink2:

We're also planning on moving this summer and only started the process in December. I'm planning on getting banded February 8th. It might not take as long as you fear and I figured I'll be well on my way to losing weight by the time we move. Good luck with everything and welcome!

I' m new here too. I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 18. My BMI is 42 and have approx 150 lbs to lose. My doctor is Cywes in JAX FL. There is a lot of good info here. I look forward to visiting here often.

The band is just a tool...alot of hard work and exercise to make the tool work the way that everyone wants it to. I mean if you never exercise you will see some weight loss but not the numbers that you would love to see. As far as being diabetic, I can only tell you of my experience. I was diabetic, had my first prescription in my hand for insulian when I decided that I didn't want anything to do with being diabetic. So I found a hospital that was offering a weight loss seminar, meet with the doctor that night (that was October of 2006) filled out all the paperwork and got the process started. I had surgery January 18, 2007. I haven't had to check my sugar levels, and I never needed to fill that prescription either. I only have to take my thyroid medication and even that has dropped levels. I love my Band.