I got my referral from my PCM and now I have to have an mental eval? What kind of questions do they ask? Also, I am 75 pounds from my ideal weight with 2 co-morbities-High blood pressure and thyroid problems. Has anyone been approved that is under 100 pound from their ideal weight? My BMI is 35. I want to have this procedure done so bad!! And afraid that I will not be approved! Any suggestions? Also, I have tricare for my insurance. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Teresa

I have tricare too and I am at 37 BMI with high blood pressure and diabetes. I am in the same boat being afraid of non approval.

You just tell them whats in that little heart of yours :] believe me, trying to find the right answers could cost you. Just tell the truth and answer according to you. You'll be fine. You sound determined so you should get it. I think we all have the same nervousness before all of our appointments. Just relax, it'll be easy.

PLEASE JUST DON'T TRY TO GAIN WEIGHT TO HAVE THE SURGERY!

I WAS APPROVED WITH A BMI OF 35 AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, THYROID PROBS, BUT WHAT WAS THE MAIN THING WAS SLEEP APNEA. WE DIDNT KNOW THAT I HAD SLEEP APNEA, BUT MY BARIACTRIC DOC. ORDERED THE SLEEP STUDY BECAUSE I HAD ALL OF THE SYMPTOMS. THE PSYCHIACTRIC DOCTOR, THEY JUST ASK YOU QUESTIONS AND THEY ARE JUST LIKE U AND ME YOU WILL DO FINE. THERE IS A TEST I HAD TO TAKE IN ADDITION TO TALKING TO THEM. I AM SCHEDULED FOR MY SURGERY ON SEPT. 12th AND I AM VERY EXCITED. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND TRY TO STAY FOCUSED AND IT WILL ALL WORK OUT

KERRI

Hey Ladies,

I have been the Tricare route - my hubby is retired Military and I simply don't use them because I have other options. See if you can do an inquiry to find out if they have a support group. Get in contact with them and talk to someone who has been through it - maybe they can help you decide how to frame your discussion (note - this does not mean LIE) and perhaps they can also help ease your anxiety around approval.

Just a thought...sometimes it's all in how you say something, and talking to someone who has been-there-done-that might help...:thumbup:

I have Tricare Standard and had to gain 7 pounds pre visit to qualify. I don't regret it and have already taken the weight off.

Mimi