Ok, here's the deal... When we arrived in GA early January, I started researching WLS very heavily. I read tons and tons of information online. I visited this website at well as Obesity Help and the ASBS websites for information. I've read three books on WLS and have ordered three more. I learned what it means when a practice is designated as a Center of Excellence. So I started looking in my area for surgeons who practice at a CoE. None of them take my insurance, so I found a practice in SC that was up to par with my expectations. I went to see my PCM for a referral. Easy peasy, she had no problems taking care of that for me. My husband is stationed at an Army base. So when I got a call from the Tricare referral person at the base hospital, she said that there are some great bariatric surgeons who do WLS at the base hospital. I thought "great!" She informed me that the surgery clinic has applied for designation as a Center of Excellence, but the numbers aren't quite there yet. I thought to myself "well, that's good" and decided to go ahead and schedule myself for the program at the base hospital. During the information session I attended on Feb 12, I was able to meet with the chief of bariatric surgery. He's a really great person, has a great bedside manner and is very compassionate towards people suffering from this terrible disease of obesity. I was hoping against hope that I would be put on his list for a consult. But it didn't work out that way. I'm scheduled with a different surgeon. While researching on the OH website, I was able to look up surgeons by name and find out information about their bariatric surgery experience. None of the doctors at the base hospital have their stats listed. So I'm going to be asking the surgeon I was placed with what his stats are. I would have done that with any surgeon I went to. Now here is my dilemma: One of the things I've read from several resources has said to choose a surgeon who has performed at least 125 of the surgery you are wanting and whose practice is primarily bariatrics. Some other important factors to me are how long the surgeon has been in practice and what type of bariatric training the surgeon underwent. What if the surgeon I'm scheduled with isn't "up to par" with what I'm expecting or prefer? Do I then request to switch to the surgeon I met previously? Or do I go ahead and request a referral to a practice where I already have statistics for? Am I over thinking this? Am I being too picky? ARRGH!! My consult isn't until March 7 and this is driving me NUTS!!

Michelle, Tummy tucks are paid for but the rest usually comes out of pocket UNLESS you are having problems. I had my WLS over 2 yrs ago and then got stationed in Korea (where they don't do plastic surgery or GB). This summer we head back to the States so hopefully I can 'finish the job'. However, I took the advice of friends and my surgeon and made sure I went through the hassle of seeing my PCP every month or so for the yeast infections I get between the skin folds and navel For the last 1 1/2 years I've been prescribed Nystatin for the same problem. I such a nice collection to take home! The important part is, this is a problem that hasn't been cured. When I go to our next base I'm going to raise holy heck and see what I can do about my tummy tuck. For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the big hospital in Texas...I'm sure you'll know the name. Anyway, I know breast implants run $3,000. Dirt Cheap! I'm not sure how much arm/leg lifts are but I do know they're much more reasonable than on the 'outside'. Good Luck and document, document, document! Bex

Hi all! We are an active duty AF family but dont live within even 100miles of a military hospital. Anyone had plastics and how much does Tricare cover if any? I need panni, arms, boobs...thighs, lol what ever they can do to help this bag o' skin... THANKS for your help! ~Tomi

I've read they cover tummy tucks,but that's all. Hopefully they have made a few changes to that policy. My DH is going AGR this summer, so I know how you feel. I've never lived any where else, so I'm looking forward to the change, but scared ****ty too. Just wish I knew where we will be going. Good Luck...

Hi Diane! I'm not from Ft. Bliss but maybe thought I might help? I had my surgery in Oregon in July. My DH came home from Iraq in November and we PCS's a few weeks later to Ft. Bragg, NC. I like you was concerned about aftercare at the new duty station, so I went to the NC boards and asked if anyone knew anything about programs/surgeons in the area. And I got a response that Ft Bragg had one on post. So maybe you could go to the Texas forum and do the same if you haven't already. I don't think too many military family members know about this forum, so you might have better luck posting on the TX forum or even the main forum with Fort Bliss in your subject line. Good luck!! Andi