Any Advise?

Hi. I am finally going to discuss with my DR that I want to have WLS. I am military and we have tricare insurance, not known for liking to do WLS. I am seeking any advise you might have for me in my quest. I called someone one time about getting surgery. They told me that because I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes or other serious health problems that tricare won't pay for surgery unless I am 120% over my body weight. ( my BMI is 43.5%) The nice lady told me to gain more weight and keep it on for 6 months, complain about every ache and pain and then try again. Well, I haven't gained the weight (which was only 15 more lbs.) but I now have constant knee pain, hip pain and lower back pain. Not to mention that I struggle with any type of movement. Does anyone know of a surgeon that accepts tricare and would be interested in helping me out? I am going to ask my Dr. as well. Any info is appreciated. ~Robin

I think my surgeon takes TriCare. They've talked about it at one of the support meetings. He's in Rockville - Dr. Barry Greene. His website is www.advancedwls.com. Good luck in your quest. Cheers, Lynn

Thank you Lynn. I checked out your profile, I hope that was okay. You are doing so great. I am going to push the military to help me with this. I am so tired of fighting this weight battle, for about 25 years now. I am ready to be free from weight and be the person I know is inside of all this fat. I'll keep you posted on my journey. Thanks again, Robin

I just had open RNY last Tuesday, paid for by Tricare .... I have Prime but don't know that made a difference. I had no problem getting approved. My PCP at Pax River suggested it, wrote up the referral for WLS with a diagnosis of morbid obesity with complications. I do not have diabetes....I have some arthritis in my knees and high blood pressure for the past two years, and a BMI of 46 I requested to see the surgeon at Walter Reed ... they could not work me in withing the Tricare appointment critera of 30 days and so I was then able to go civilian. They are paying for everything that way...no co-pay other than what I would have incurred at Walter Reed...Cost me $11 per day in the hospital and I paid Dr. Anez $200 for processing . Don't approach this as though they won't approve....tell your PCP you want the referral...then work your way to a good bariatric surgeon (I told the Tricare case manager I wanted someone with a minimum of 10 years experience and a minimum of 75% of their cases bariatric. Good luck to you....jump through their hoops with confidence and it will happen. HealthNet does believe in the surgery ... so once you get the referral to a good bariatric surgeon....let the surgeon determine if you are a good candidate Jody

Jody, Thank you for your advise. I am seeing my dr. tomorrow. I am glad to know someone that was successful in getting Tricare to pay. I'll make sure I let them know I am serious and be determined to get approved. I hope you are feeling well after your surgery. I wish you great success! I'll keep you posted on my journey to a better body and self. Thanks again, Robin