Info on Tricare & MTF approvals...

TRICARE covers gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band surgery) is covered only when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions:

• Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints
• Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure
• Has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and because of complications, requires another surgery (takedown)

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/jsp/Medical/IsItCovered.do? kw=Gastric+Bypass&topic=Women


For Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) it's totally different. Depends on the facility. It's not funded from Tricare so the qualifications are different. There is no costs to you.

I'm going through TRIPLER in Hawaii and their qualifications are..

~100lbs over weight or 40+ BMI

OR

~ 35+BMI w/2 Co-mobilities. The normal ones you see, plus PCOS, infertility, Non Ovulations are some too.

I hope this helps.

For those that don't have a MTF near you and don't qualify w/Tricares option. Try finding out the nearest MTF and see what their qualifications are. Maybe you can travel there to get the surgery.