Tricare and Lap Band Surgery

I just wanted to pass this info on to any one who has Tricare and wants the lapband. Officially Tricare does not cover the lap band, However that's only if you want it done in a civilian Hospital. If you have the surgery done at a military hospital then it is covered I am having lap band done at Walter Reed in Washington DC. At Walter Reed they do the RNY and Lap Band. If you would like more info contact me later Heather

Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego does Verticle Sleeve and RNY, but no bands. Cyndi

I am So completely thankful for your posting. I would, however, appreciate it if I could contact you directly to ask you some more questions? Please email me directly Mary

I found out after posting this that you have to be in the region of where walter reed is located to get the lapband surgery there

I wish I knew that 6 weeks ago. I am 4 weeks post op rny because tricare would not approve lap band. Owell maybe this is better for me any ways ree

what do they mean in region, did you join the wash dc army, or the US Army, That the same crap that the VA is giving me about not provideing surgery for my service connected condition in the ny metro, while they provide it in berminham alabama. ,I maintain that if they can ship my butt the the south east rice paddies of asia to fight a war they can ship to the south east swamps of alabama for the fix. 40 years later. I joined the US NAVY 69 , the NY VSNS NAVY, have congress man wip/

I agree it's rather silly to say we are all in the same Armed Forces and can be provided the same care, but if you are not in tricare north you can not benefit from the specialized surgeries that are offered at Walter Reed.

silly is not the term I would use if I or my Love one was in need of the care, a space available flight and a picket sign on the door step with a news crew would have a different terminology posted. If my DS does come forth you may see me on the six o'clock news,

Can you tell me the 3 steps you had to take to get your date? Also, what are you talking about when you say you are going to get your first fill? Thanks. I am seriously considering lap band surgery at Walter Reed, but want to hear all about it. Linda

Hi linda here are the steps 1. a referral from your PCM 2. 1st consult w/ Dr. Long below are the three steps I refered to. They don't have to be done in this order they just have to be done 3. pysch eval 4. meet with a dietian 5. meet with an excersise therapist the lap band is adjustable and you may need 2-4 fills of saline solution in the band to get the proper restriction. fell free to email me anytime we are having a support meeting this thursday at 6:30 at walter reed in the waiting room of Ward 5c Dr. Long will be there you should come later H