Recent Posts
Topic: RE: re: lap band
I have heard of people getting the band at Walter Reed the only problem is that once they get the band tricare WILL NOT pay for the fills
Topic: RE: I am home and doing OK
Thanks guys. I really have realized how much this support help. I still can't spend much time at the computer. It is just not comfy yet. Everyday is better. Still lots of gas, but it seems to be getting better. "Slowly Ever Onward" is my new theme song. And incase you don't know that is a real song. or a t least Violin solo. It is a family joke because my son played it one year for his solo piece and he WAS slowly ever onward with it. take care all and see you latter. Diana
Topic: RE: :-D Dates
wwoohooo you're on your way hun, while you're testing on the 29th I will be recovering..
Hugs
Donna S
Ft. Stewart Ga
Topic: RE: re: lap band
Tina,
No Tricare doesn't cover the LapBand. I was told it was still too experimental. Here is a link to Tricare North Prime Remote's handbook. http://www.humana-military.com/South/bene/TRICAREResources/handbooks/pdf/PrimeRemotehandbo
ok.pdf Looking at the top of page 28 (under procedures with significant limitations).
"Gastric Bypass:
Gastric bypass, gastric stapling, and gastroplasty--to include vertical banded gastroplasty--is covered when one of the following conditions is met:
? A patient is 100 pounds or more over the ideal weight for height and body 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 weight-bearing joints.
? A patient is 200 percent or more of the ideal weight for height and body structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category.
? A patient has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown)."
Look under the exclusions on page 29, listed is "Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band procedure).
Now, saying all that, I have seen some military dependants get the Lap-Band at a MTF that does them. Because Tricare doesn't approve the surgery at MTFs (the surgeon does), as long as the surgeon performs them you can get one. How to find out which MTF surgeon's do them, I can't help you there. Hopefully one of them will chime in here.
Good luck with your WLS journey!!
Andi
Topic: :-D Dates
I got my dates!!! Finally!!
My nutrition class is on August 15th, my Endoscopy and lab work is on August 29th, my ultra sound is on August 27th, and my Psych. Eval is on September 15th. Those are all the test I need to get done.
I had to have my doctor submit a 5 year weight record. He faxed that in Friday!!
I am so excited. I am hoping to have my Psych Eval moved up, but I am thankful that I have a date- and so soon. I am on my way. Once all those things are done, then we submit to tricare. The nurse at my doctor's office said that I should not have a problem getting approved. I hope not. Just wanted to keep everyone posted. I am on my way to the loser's bench.
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Topic: RE: re: lap band
I don't think tricare approves for lap band. You can go to www.mytricare.com and register with that site. Then they have a tab you can click on called AskUs and you can ask them anything. They usually get back to you in about a day or you can call them. Hope that helps.