After getting the run-around for several days now from both my surgeon's office AND Tricare, I finally got ahold of someone who knew what was going on. It's not online and I don't have a letter, but I have a case manager who said "I just faxed the APPROVAL to your surgeon's office today".

:tongue::w00t::w00t:

:redface:

It's too late today and I also have to work tonight, but you can bet I'll be on that phone tomorrow asking for a surgery date!!!!

(a little background: I am 100lbs+ overweight with arthritis, depression, asthma, and pre-hypertension. We are PCSing in less than 20 days, so that's why there's a huge rush on it!)

HOORAY!!! CONGRATS!!!!! :redface:

WooHoo! I am so excited for you. Things move fast from this point, or at least they did for me. Once my Dr.s office received my auth, I had surgery 5 days later. I hope all goes smooth for you!

Thank you! I am so excited!

It seemed to take forever...but now I'm feeling better :biggrin2:. Minpin mom, so you didn't have to do any bowel prep or liquid diet before surgery?

The only thing that I had to do was be on liquids for the 24 hour before surgery. (I consider myself one of the lucky ones)

Liquids are the worst for me - I hate it. It is much better after the surgery, you don't really have any hunger - but before was like killing me!

I can totally relate. Its amazing how many hoops that you have to jump threw. I am waiting for insurance as well. Really hoping for an early May date. Getting a little nervious.

Lynne:thumbup:

Hy I Am New To This Sight And Have Some Questions I Am 4'11" And I Weigh 225lbs I Am On A Thyroid Medication And Have Tried So Hard To Loose Weight Thru Diet And Exercise Which Only Works Temporarily For Me. I Am Interested In The Lapband Procedure And Need To Know How To Get Started. Being Overweight Is So Stressful Especially When You Start Have Health Issues With It. Any Advise On How To Get Started.

First thing to do is find out if your insurance covers the procedure. Insurance is the most difficult part of getting Banded. Hopefully your insurance will cover it. Something else you can do is go ahead and start researching Dr.s in your area to see who you like, relate to and such.

Let us know how it goes!

Blessd--I agree with minpinmom, the first step is to make sure your insurance will cover the procedure and what their requirements are for coverage.

Minpinmom--I have another question for you. I remember when you were approved you said you were checking online for the decision. Was it MyTricare.com or something else? When I check MyTricare, it has the request for authorization there, but it still says "In Process". When I called two seperate times, I was told it will remain like that until I am discharged from the hospital, and then it will be changed to "Approved". :confused2: That doesn't make a whole lot fo sense. Where did you see your approval online?

I saw my approval online and that is how I knew I was approved. Although, it may depend on who is on the other end of the computer typing. :-) In Process is AWESOME - mine turned to Cancel for a while, I immediately called and before I even got through, it had been changed back to in process. I was a tad bit addicted to the website during the approval stages :-)

For Tricare South, the website is: Humana Military Healthcare Services

Ok. We're Tricare North, so maybe that's just the way they do things. Trying to be patient but oh-so excited!

Congrats, mommakatx2!

Congratulations - good luck on your journey

Try TriWest Healthcare Alliance. All of my information is listed there. Congratulations and good luck!

Did you have to pay out of pocket for the nutritionist appointment?

I was told by my PCM that she would refer me to the doctor, but that Tricare would not pay for the nutritionist visit.

Thanks,

Kris

I actually wanted to go to the Nutritionist but Tricare won't pay. Let me know if you hear any different - they seem to be changing policies quite often.