Hi

Good evening, All! I'm Tammy. I have a friend, 2 Aunts and a cousin who have had wls. I have been thinking about it on and off for the last three years, hoping to shed unwanted weight. I was never truly ready, though, because I'd always talk myself out of it. It was the easy way out (I just needed to diet better, exercise more and be more disiplined--that was in the early days), it was too dangerous, or I'd just plain chicken out, so I'd abandon the idea for awhile. It wasn't until recently, however, that I realized that not only would it allow me to loose weight, but it might actually help save my life, or at the very least prolong it, as well as add to the quality of life that I could be living. I'm 5'2" and 225 lbs., with a BMI of 41. If I lost just 10 lbs. I'd likely not qualify for the surgery. That being said I have discovered that of the 14 most common overweight health issues I've experienced 9 of them on a regular basis and have a family history for two more (98% of the last 2 generations have been afflicted with them). Several of these issues (I had never even considered talking to my dr. about--thinking it was age or work related) I am learning, are called co-morbidity factors. Heaven help me, if wls can cut down on either the intensity or the number of migrianes that I experience, it would be well worth the time, energy, effort and/or money!! I've read that for many people their cholesterol comes down as a result, as well as the blood pressure, sometimes even before leaving the hospital! Wow! If only! Strangely enough, I'm ready to proceed, even if it meant that I would never loose a pound. That it's actually possible to have all of that and be thinner is absolutely inconcievable. I've already spoke with my primary care manager and he has agreed to write up a consult when I see him later this month. My biggest worry is not having a Dr. documented weight history, it's just not part of the militaries top ten priorities, especially since I'm "just a spouse". I'm pretty sure that with my pcm's consult and an agreeable surgeon insurance should not be a problem. Has anyone here had wls with Tricare as their insurance? Or has anyone had surgery that didn't have a documented weight loss history? I am still learning, have lots of questions, am a long way from my original home, family and friends, and in serious need of a healthy support system, and I am more than willing to help provide the same. T.

Hi Tammy, Welcome to the message boards! Maybe you could start now with your primary care manager documenting your weight on a monthly manner, and by the time you have everything done, you should have atleast 6 months of doctor supervised diet in. I only needed 6 months but didn't find out until 2 weeks before surgery, so I had to put things on hold and do the diet. Thurs. it will be one year since my surgery. Or, call Tricare and see what they require. Take care, Dana

Hi!!! Welcome! I'm not an expert on WLS by any stretch, but I am more than willing to be part of your healthy support system! Everyone needs those! I just had surgery a month ago, so I'm not on as regularly as I used to be, still trying to do the recovery thing while taking care of three kids LOL... HUGS to you, wish I had answers to the Tricare thing, best bet would be to call and find out their requirements! Rachel

Hello Tammy welcome to the message boards, I agree with both Dana and Rachel. Just remember we are always here for you and support you in anything you choose to do. Christie

Welcome, Tammy. Good luck on your journey.