BMI of 35

I have a BMI of 35 plus 2 comorbilities and am interested in the Lap Band procedure. Any suggestions? I have Tricare insurance.

Try the insurance board. I think they have information about what various insurances require. Good luck!

Have you checked online at Tricare's website? Tricare doesn't go by BMI for approval. They use the Metropolitian Life weight chart (a copy found here http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/met.htm ) with the following guidelines. "Gastric bypass, gastric stapling, or gastroplasty—to include vertical banded gastroplasty—is covered when one of the following conditions is met: 1. The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders, and severe arthritis of the weightbearing joints. 2. The patient is 200 percent or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category. 3. The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown)." Here is the link to the Tricare Prime Handbook, look on page 23. https://www.hnfs.net/res/tricare/beneficiary/common/pdf/5436 00236/Prime_Handbook_final_11_06_06.pdf or if you have Tricare Standard, that handbook, look on page 19. https://www.hnfs.net/res/tricare/beneficiary/common/pdf/-123 6223428/Standard_Handbook_09_06_final.pdf Hope this helps you some, Andi Editted to add:  I couldn't find an updated handbook with the LapBand listed as an approved surgery, but I know it is (just approved in the last month or two I believe). I'd assume the weight requirements would be the same, but you could call up Tricare and find out for sure.

Thanks for the info. The Met Life Wt table is kinder and gentler than the stated require "100" lbs over. Did you have the Lap Band? As far as you wt loss, "You Go Girl!!!" thanks

No, I didn't have the LapBand. I had the RNY back in July. I know there were a couple of people on the military board (when the military board was alive) waiting for Tricare to include the Lap Band as a WLS choice in the policy.  But after I had done my research on all the different WLS choices, RNY turned out to be the perfect fit for me. And so far so good.  And a big THANK YOU for your compliment and encouragement! It is always nice to hear! Andi