Starting my adventure with this procedure next week. Is there anyone here from the coast? Are there any groups down here?

I appreciate all of the info. This is such a major decision I want to know as much as possible. Thanks to all of you who have responded. Please keep the info coming

You asked in a previous reply about military. Are you Military and if so are you using Tricare. I am just beginning my research to use Tricare thru Keesler and would really appreciate any info you (or anyone reading this) has to share

Fdiljn I am also just starting my research about getting a lap band through Tricare here on the coast. When I asked my ob/gyn at Keesler she said on base they don't do dependents. I wonder if Tricare sends family members out? My husband is at the Seabee base and I've never seen my PCM there but it sounds like thats where I need to go.

Please let me know what you find out. Sounds like we are in the same boat. I do know that Tricare does pay for lapband now - the link to the article is TRICARE - Press Room

Ineedalpaband -- I say my PCM at Keesler on May 6 and after asking about my previous diets, looking at my weight (100 lbs overweight) asking why the lap band, he said he would put in the referral. It was approved by Tricare by friday for a Dr in Mobile. I had been researching and decided I would rather go to LA so I called and they changed it. I have an appointment with the surgeon Dr Redmann on June 12. I will keep posting as I continue the journey

Do you mind if I ask if you had a comorbidity? I don't really and worry I won't get approved. I'm pretty sure I can meet the weight requirement though.

I do not thing that really was an issue for the referral to the surgeon. I take blood pressure medication but I do not remember that he even asked me about that. I think the comorbidity will come up more when the authorization for surgery is sent it and I think the surgeon will have experience addressing that. I must again say that I am new to Tricare and perhaps have a more positive outlook than I should. Good luck and keep us posted and I will do the same

Thanks. I've got an appt with a PCM next week. I'm just going to lay it out on the line and tell them everything and try to convince her to give me the referral. Let me know how things go with you. Thanks!

Hi - we are in Waveland, MS. Who is your doctor? My husband is now considering lap band and I haven't been able to find anyone locally. Thanks Linda

Hey, Linda! I am in Long Beach and see Dr. Avara (prounced Avery) in Ocean Springs. He has a web site: South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center ? Ocean Springs Bariatric Surgery

I am in my 6 month insurance approval phase right now. I am looking at being banded probably in March of next year.

Dr. Avara's office hosts a free seminar that you may want to attend. It is very informative and they will answer all your questions.

Slidell is closer to you and I believe there are docs over there who perform this surgery as well. You may want to check into that.

Good luck!

Hi, I am in Pass Christian, I was banded May 2 in Mobile, AL. Great doctors. I know a group out of Covington, LA does surgeries in Slidell. Good luck and congrats...

Hi Linda, I live in Pass Christian, and I used Dr. Thomas Lavin In La. They have a web site--www.whyweight.com. They are great and do the surgery right in Slidell.

Hi Linda. I used Dr. Redmann in Covington and had my surgery in Slidell. I have nothing but good things to say and second the recommendation to visit their website at WhyWeight.com- Weight Loss Surgery in Louisiana - Home

im in pascagoula!having mine on jan30th

Hi,

I have a appointment w/my pcm on fri (4/3/09). I am going to ask for a referral for the lap-band surgery w/either Dr. Redmann or Dr. Lavin. Reading your posts about these doctor's has eased my mind. Hope my pcm doesn't balk. I am 5' and weigh 249 and have tried various diets

Thanks

Kristine

I'm in Ocean Springs....will be using Tricare (referred through Keesler as well....)....they are making me go to LA though.....

Wanted to add....I'm going to see Dr. Lavin.....I had to get a referral from my PCM first....and he didn't want to give it to me....I had to resort to tears....I've been on a diet for the first 30 years of my life....I want it to end (the diet...not my life)....so he gave a referral to Dr. Lavin....TriCare does cover the lapband 100% if you are 100lbs over your ideal weight for me it's 117-133lbs and have a comorbitiy...for me I have diabetes...I don't have my firsts consult appt though until June 18th.....for those that used Dr. Lavin...how long from your first visit to your surgery?