Hello everyone, I am going to try and get a referrel for WLS and was wondering for those of you at little rock AFB who was your PCM? Thanks for any insight and encouragement.

Hi Kim, I am a Active Duty Retired AF Spouse. My husband was in 21 years and retired Jan 2001. Our last duty station was Hurlburt Field, FL where my hubby was in Special Ops. During his career, I worked as Contract Specialist for Defense Contract Management Command. We have six kids ranging from 24 years to 5 years old. We presently call Oregon home. I am post-op... three years now! Would love to support others who are going through this process or chat with those who are post-ops. Feel free to email me.... Karene

Hi, Kelly. I haven't been on this site in quite a while. I know that you had one response but I thought I'd stop by, say hello, offer support and see where you are in your journey. A little big of info; Tricare does cover only the Gastric Bypass at this time and the other person is correct on the BMI and the 100 pounds. However, there is also another requirement of a comorbidity, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. I was approved for surgery, after being referred by the PCM, in minimal time. I think that I went to the surgical appointment, did their testing in the office for a few things, filled out paperwork, had my eval with the psychologist and was then approved in like two days. They readily do this surgery. Unlike other insurance companies who hee haw around for months, make you do this and do that, Tricare is quick. I had surgery 10 months ago on January 23. I have had a wonderful experience, no complications, quick and easy recovery, easy time adapting to my new lifestyle, and have truly enjoyed this amazing, wonderful journey. And it is a journey with ups and downs. But if you're in the right frame of mind and this is truly in your heart, it's good for you. I started at 282.5 and right now am 178. I have about 10 more pounds and I done. However, if I don't lose another pound, I'm fine with that. I can handle 178 pounds. I wore a size 26W top, 26W pants and now wear a L top and a 12 pant. Life is great! I don't believe in talking anyone into surgery, to each his own decision. But for me, it's been a great decision. I am happy to talk with you. Email me anytime with any questions you may have. I will answer them to the best of my ability and won't mislead you. Be careful, there are some folks who will do just that. My husband and I are stationed in Montgomery, AL. He is active duty, 24 years. I look forward to hearing from you. K. Perkins

Hi my name is Kelly and I am starting the WLS journey. I have been trying to get the surgery thru my husband civilian job but to no avail. I just got on the Tricare thru our reserve statis and wanted to ask you guys how hard it is to get approved thru the military? We are paying 100% of our premiums a 300.00 jump from our other insurance so I am praying it works. My Husband is a Air force boom operater here in portland oregon and we just got BRACKED so we really dont know what is next. he's just got 2 years of good time to do before he can retire. It breaks my heart becouse he loves refueling and I know that its proubly over for him as he cant find anyone that will take him due to his age and our inability to move. I am almost 43 years old and weigh about 300 lbs. I have been overwieight most all of my adult life and the one time I really lost weight it was in my early 20's and it was mostly in part to a drug I was using and so I dont feel that it really counts. I am a very active person I swore that I would not ever let my weight stop me from living life. WEll time marches on and so dose the age and effects it has had on my body and I just cant hack it anymore. I am sitting on the side lines and I just dont want to be there any more, I know I am just a few years of being diabetic as my mother is and my sister. So I am ready to do this. If the tricare for some reason wont cover I will do it on self pay although I would hate to do that to my familys finances. Anyway I was hopping for some help from you all advice? suggestions? how to get covered thru the Tricare? I look forward to your responses and maybe finding the support I know I need right now Kelly

Hi Kim, I was an AF wife for over 23 years. My husband retired last Nov after 27 yrs 3 months. Currently he is a contractor working at Edwards AFB. Jenn is correct when she says we are stationed in the middle of nowhere. We are moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico next month. Time to get out of California!! Would love to be a part of this group even though we are retired. Had a DS in March 2005 and am down 115 lbs. TTYL Patti