Just a quick note went to my doctor's office today to get the letter from him saying that he thinks that I need lap band surgery. I was really worried as my insurance (Tricare) requires either you are 100 pounds over your ideal weight with co morbidities or you must be 200% over your ideal body weight. Which unfortunately I was just shy of both requirements but my wonderful doctor helped me out by saying that my pre diabetes was now diabetes. So I don't have to gain any weight to qualify!! You go Doc!!!

Good for you..that's great news!

Mel, whom ever told you that about Tri-Care was mistaken. Very much so. Are you Prime or Standard? Do you have access to a military hospital with a surgical wing? I am also Tri-Care (prime) and since we have surgeons at the hospital who can do the Gastric surgeries (band/bypass/and now sleeve) all that is required is your PCM give you a referral to the surgical clinic. It is standard at any and all military hospitals that can perform the surgery.

Shoot me a PM if you need more info.

I got the information about what tricare will approve directly from their website in the Tricare book. I am standard. I don't know if I do or not. My husband is in the Kentucky National Guard. I think the closest one for me would be Fort Knox and I don't know if they have a surgical wing or not. I will have the referral from my civilian primary care doctor. So how would I go about finding out if the hospital at Fort Knox has a surgical wing or not? Isn't there a waiting list at most military hospitals? Any information you can provide would be most appreciated.

I sure wish mine had been covered. I am TriCare, standard retired dependant. Have to use civilian doc. 100 pounds overweight, but no cm. I was self pay in MX last Oct. We are currently trying to get my DH approved - he is on Medicare and TriCare for Life. Good luck to you. I hope you can find a cheaper solution.