Eglin AFB

I was enquiring about Eglin AFB, last I heard they had a surgeon there and performed the surgery in the hospital there. What I would like to know is if anyone has used the facility and if you could give me some updated info on it. And how hard was it to get aproved through Tri care prime. Thanks Enquiring minds want to know...... Vickie

Hi Vickie I do know there is Dr. RIchard Wilson in Panama CIty that performs the surgery. Becky

I have not heard of them doing it at Eglin and I work at Hurlburt. I would be leery of any military doctors performing this surgery. They definitely don't have the experience the non-military doctors do. Get a referral off-base, they will do it, I have a few friends who had it done in Pensacola with Tricare Prime. Good luck, Patty

Hey Vickie, I had my surgery 11-20-03 @ Eglin AFB Hospital by Dr. Kasemsap, he is a military doc. I had no complications whatsoever, and am currently past my goal weight. I do know that right now, Dr K is not doing surgery @ Eglin, but is using a Civilian Hospital (Fort Walton Beach Medical Center), There is a contract between Eglin and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for this. As far as getting approval, Dr Kasemsap takes care of getting all the info sent to Humana Military to get approval. I had no problems as far as approval either, however, my surgery was @ the military hospital. Everyone will have a different opinion on using Military hospitals, but I have had nothing but excellent care from them. E-mail me if you want more info. There is also a support group that meets once a month @ Eglin AFB. I believe that the next meeting is tonight, but don't hold me to that. Take care, Beth 281/132 @ goal and beyond................

Hey Beth, don't take my message wrong. I am a military brat, my husband is retired Air Force and I work civil service for the Air Force. Military doctors have taken care of me my entire life and delivered both of my children. I have no complaints against military doctors. I do know for a fact that they don't have the background in weight loss surgery as the civilan doctors do. They don't have the volume of patients nor the experience. That is the only thing I was trying to get across. I am always leery of doctors who haven't performed a procedure very many times. I know they have to to get practice but I rather it was on someone else! That's bad I know. Any way, I just wanted to set the record straight. Thanks, Patty

Hi ya Patty, I didn't take your message wrong, as a matter of fact, I just read it when you replied (see how much I pay attention to the other responses), I only read Vickie's message, and then responded.....So, nothing taken wrong, and BTW, we all have our own opinions. And, you are right, the military doctors, do not have the back ground that civilian doctors do. As a matter of fact, I was my surgeons 3rd Lap Gastric Bypass patient. My surgery was much longer than it would have been, had a Civilian doctor did it, but I took the chance, and well, let's say, It was the best damn thing that I did for myself....I would do it again in a heart beat....Soooo, no hard feelings Hugs and take care, Beth 281/132 @ goal and beyond

While he's not at Eglin, I feel like the short trip to Pensacola would be worth seeing Dr. Nye at Baptist Hospital. He is a great surgeon who has done I think around 3000 with few complications. If interested in more info on Dr Nye, email me and I will answer what I can. Good luck

Please do not go to the doctor that used to do surgeries at Eglin. I know whereof I speak. If you would like more info then please email me. I went to Dr. Nye in Pensacola and would recommend him much more so. Sincerely, Wanda

Hi Vickie, I had no problem with Tricare Prime what so ever and approval in just a few days. I anticipated problems since my BMI was 38 but my comorbitites leveled that off....good luck on whomever you choose and wherever.

Hi Vicki, Dr Wilson in Panama city takes tri Care prime..anything else is out of network.he was my surgeon. He is a very competent surgeon although he has a very dry sense of humor.. his office staff ok..his NURSE CHRISTIE is rude and acts as though she hates her job.. but he is a very good surgeon. The downside besides dealing with christie is he isn't a bariatric clinic.. he is a surgeon and bariatrics is just one of the many surgeries he performs. DR.Nye in Pensacola, I hear he is fabulous.. he and his wife run his own clinic there, and it's a life long process.. Dr.Wilson is for 6 months anything after that he refers you to a gastointestinal Dr. But Dr. Nye from what I hear only does Open procedures while Dr.Wilson does lap.. I am not sure if Dr.Nye takes Tri care..but he only sees clients with a BMI of 42 or more.. He wouldn't see me.. :o( anyways good luck to you! let us know how things go!! Lisa