hey guys

Well it's been a while since I've stopped in. Just wanted to share the news that my referral to see a bariatric surgeon was approved. Im just waiting on the paperwork to come in the mail then I'll proceed to make an appt. Not sure who Tricare is assigning me to yet.  Only 5 dr's in the area take tricare and they are all either in Philly or MD. Once I get the listing of names Im going to post on here to see if anybody would recommend one over the other. I don't have to accept who they assign me to. OK well just wanted to share my good news and I hope this works for me!! Oh and I decided to go RNY instead of Lap Band.  Ryanne

Good Luck on your journey!  You must be relieved that it's finally starting! Love & Peace, Fran

Ryanne, It will move fast now that approvals are on the way.  I think the Dr's in the local area are good.  I haven't heard of anyone complaining about anyone in particular.  You can do a search here for Dr names as well and read others feedback.  I used Dr . in Philly.  I would not do it differently.  Good surgeon and they have a good program.  I went through PA Hospital.  I went with RNY because I needed to lose a lot of weight.  Lap band would not have gotten me as far down as I am.   Good luck with your journey. Debbie

That is great that your journey is starting under way.  About one year ago now is when I started my final stages of getting ready for my surgery.  It went so fast (in retrospect) but at the time I felt like time was dragging along.  Good luck and any questions ask.  Oh I went through Dr Irgau in Wilmington, through St Francis Hospital (You can choose this hospital or Christiana) I had fabulous care with him and all the staff at St Francis (alot of the nurses there have been through it also)  Good luck

Thanks ladies. My Dr. did warn me this process is going to be long since I have Tricare. They require alot in order to approve these types of surgeries. I may even be put on a 6 mo diet before they even consider paying for the surgery. Im keeping my fingers crossed they don't do that. But its something that is common with them so Im sort of expecting to hear i have to do that. So we'll see. I've also heard of people having it approved right away. I guess it all depends on the medical situation. Just keep fingers crossed Im not gonna have to wait a year for this!!  Ryanne Oh and I'll post those Dr's names in a lil while.

Ryanne, Congratulations and all the best to you.  If they require 6 months before hand, it will only make you in better physical shape going into the actual surgery which is terrific.  My insurance had that requirement as well.  Keep us posted and again, congratulations on your decision!

Hi, Congratulations on the beginning of your journey. Don't worry too much about the diet. It takes 3 to 6 months to get all of your clearances anyway. You can do the diet while you get those out of the way. There's only one Dr. in the Philly area I wouldn't recommend and that's because he will not do surgery on anyone over 300 lbs. Just doesn't sit well with me and leaves a lot of people out. JMO. Keep us posted on your progress. Kathy

Kathy,

Do you know the name of this doctor?

Hi, Just sent you a private message. Kathy