Getting Started

I would like to know how to get started on the way to surgery. I have Tricare prime and I want to know what to tell the doctor and what doctor to see. Anyonw have any suggestions on what pcm to see? mine is deployed and i want to see one that is willing to help me. I live on fort polk in louisiana. Please help, I am ready to get this show on the road! Thanks alot! Tiffany

I don't know of any specific doctors to refer you to, but if you look on this site under professional reviews, you'll most likely find one that's close to you. When you go, just don't hold anything back, tell him everything that's wrong! Every little detail counts. Also, its a good idea to go ahead and document ever single diet you have ever been on, how much weight you lost, as well as how much you gained back, if that's the case. My surgeron required this on my initial consultation. Also, start educating yourself on the different types of surgery, and the one that is right for you. Write down all the questions you have for your surgeon, and have all of this together, and take it with you. I live in Westwego, La, not too far from New Orleans, and I used Dr. Mando in New Orleans. If I can be any help, please email me at [email protected] Good Luck!

I am in Shreveport, LA. I'm not sure how far that is from Ft. Polk. My husband says he thinks we're about an hour and a half from you, or less. If you don't mind the drive, or you don't find a surgeon closer that you're comfortable with, I highly recommend my surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Jones, Jr. He is very skilled and has many years of experience behind him. I know that he accepts Tricare insurance. I think you'd be required to pay about $800 up front. At least, that's what I was told when I asked about using Tricare. (My husband was considering reenlisting in the military.) But, you'd have to talk to his office about the details. Dr. Jones only does open RNY, but the incision he uses is so much better than the midline incision that's commonly used. My incision is diagonal under my left breast. It's surprisingly high on my ribcage, and it's fairly small, considering. I'm happy that I chose Dr. Jones to perform this life changing surgery on me. I wish you well on your journey to a better life for yourself!

Hi Tiffany! I live North of Lake Charles and I have Tricare also, however I also have another ins. that is primary. I had Lap. RYN suregry April 24, 2003. 3 weeks ago today and I feel great, I have lost 26 pounds already. If you go or call and get a list of Doctors that take Tricare patients and get a letter stating that it would benifit your health to have this surgery done. That is the first step then you find a Dr. that takes Tricare that does the Weight Loss Surgery (WLS). I think you will find a Dr. in Lake Charles. My doctor is Keith Chung that done my WLS. My reg Dr. that I have seen for years wouldn't write me a letter not because he doesn't believe in the surgery it was just he didn't think I was big enough. Well I thought who is he to say what big was for me. I know in my heart and mind that I needed this surgery or I would never lose the weight, or gain more as I got older. I said ok fine, the next day I called my GYN Dr. and he saw me and said sure I will write a letter if thats what you really want. I got all my med. records and brought them over to Dr. Chung and they contacted my Ins. United Health Care and Tricare and they both said ok. I was 95 pounds over idea weight and 2 medical problems which were Gerd and Depression. Doesn't that sound like a joke those med problems were not going to kill me anytime soon. After you get your Providers list of Lake Charles and DeRidder email me and I might can help you. Good Luck, Betty

Hey From Alexandria, Just wanted to Say that if you are thinking about the gastric bybass surgery it is wonderful. I had a Dr Mark Gibbs do mine in Little Rock Ark. I could not ask for better. I Had it done in Dec 2002 and lost 90lbs so far. my stomach only hold about 30 cc of food and i can eat almost anything but sugar and bread and read meats. i can chew it but not swallow it, i know that sounds bad but at least i get to taste it. lol if you have any question feel free to email me. i had to go to 1 visit and sign up to see if my insurance would pay. and it did. The Dr writes the insurance a letter and then the dr calls you back to give you an appointment when to be back for surgey. it was that easy! my local dr keep an eye on me and sends all blood work to Dr Gibbs every 3 months. let me know if you are interested about any of this.......other wise i could type for days. lol. [email protected]