That's wonderful Tareesa!!!!! Keep up the good work. Sunday is my weigh day, I've stepped up the exercise and water so hopefully I'll be in onderland by then.

wow its been so dead around here lately. i am doing ok..kinda bored and still waiting for a date..the military can be so slow.

Hi - I found this artilce on another board and wanted to pass it along. TRICARE Now Covers "Lap-Band" Surgery January 16, 2008 No. 08-04 FALLS CHURCH, VA. - TRICARE beneficiaries whose weight poses a serious health risk now have a new surgical alternative available. For those who medically qualify, TRICARE now covers laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, also commonly called Lap-Band surgery. Although the TRICARE policy change has only recently been made, coverage is retroactive to February 1st, 2007. "We at TRICARE are careful to only cover procedures that have been proven safe and effective, and are accepted by the medical community," said Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of the TRICARE Management Activity. "We've added this procedure because, for some beneficiaries, it may be the right course of action to preserve their health." Granger adds that, like gastric bypass, gastric stapling or gastroplasty, Lap-Band surgery is only for those suffering morbid obesity. In medical terms, that means their body weight is 100 pounds over ideal weight for their height and bone structure, and their weight is associated with severe medical conditions known to have higher mortality rates. Body weight that is more than twice the ideal weight for the person's height and bone structure may also indicate morbid obesity. In addition, TRICARE will cover the surgery if a patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery. Details of the coverage are available in the TRICARE Policy Manual, which beneficiaries can view online at http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=TMAManuals.DisplayManualSeriesInfo&Man ualSeries=P OLICY&TP02=67#TP02. A search for "morbid obesity" goes directly to the correct section. About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.1 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance the Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide.

I'm am curious about this as well. Any info would be helpful.

I am still here. Just seems like I am really busy since Christmas. I get to check my email maybe every few days. All is well and I am down 54 pounds and eating pretty much what I want within reason. Hope everyone is doing well, Layla