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I just saw my plastic surgeon yesterday and she is ready to put in the papers for my skin removal (transverse pannus - all round). Any tips/suggestions for getting it APPROVED by Tricare? I have WELL DOCUMENTED skin issues, but any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Adria :)

so i just had my surgery on thursday and i came home yesterday painis under controll but im having some problems with my protein drink that the doctor wants me to be taking. I can not keep it down it is call new whey protein, dose anyone have any other protein products like a pill that i can crush.

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.

I have to admit being a Air Force dependent they made it pretty hard for me to get the surgery. I waited until my husband retired and found  a civiliam PCM. Tricare approved me on the first go around. I am now 4 wks out on the RNY. Be persistent, if you live in arear where you can have a civilian PCM go for it. The process was much smoother than a military PCM.