I have several questions that I'm hoping someone can help me with.

I have Tri Care standard and I am in the North region. I am 110 pounds over what I should ideally weigh and have a BMI of 47.5. I am prediabetic. I have urine incontinence problems. Pain in my back, feet, legs and ankles.

1) Do you think I will be able get approval for lap band?

2) How long does it normally take?

3) Is there a 6 month supervised diet required?

4) About how much of a percentage of the total cost of the surgery did you have to pay?

Thanks for any and all responses.

BTW I went WLS seminar yesterday.

Melody

Hi Mel I too am just getting started with the lapband process with Tricare. What has amazed me is how quickly they have procced with the process. I called my Dr when I found out that Tricare was now approving the Lap Band. The next moring Tricare called me! They said they were doing freestanding weightloss surgery centers if I was near enough to one of them. The nearest to me is Wictha Falls, TX about 90 miles. When I mentioned that it was a ways she immedatily approved the provider I had found in my area. (only to discover the next day that he was approved but did not have an approved operationing facility!?? Anyway I called Tricare back right away with Dr Daryl Stewart Md in Denton TX They not only approved him but faxed the referral while I was still on the phone! Sure hope the rest of the process goes at least halfway as smooth!. You might call Tricare and talk to them they may have a new w/l center near you.

Good Luck! Linda