Question:
Tricare and plastic surgery!

I am looking for some peers that may have Tricare Standard or Prime, has had gastric bypass and got approved for Plastic Surgery. I am almost 3 years post op. Started at 270 and now I am down to 130 pounds. I feel wonderful, but would love to get some things put back. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Crystal    — lippyblonde2000 (posted on March 2, 2006)

March 2, 2006
I haven't has my wls yet, but I do have Tricare Prime. I have heard that sometimes your insurance will pay for plastic surgery if it is described as "reconstructive surgery"...If I were you, I would talk with a local plastic surgeon for an opinion. If you have problems with yeast infections in folds of skin or lesions, you might qualify for plastic surgery. Good luck.
   — Bartlettcowgirl

March 2, 2006
Hi Crystal, I have ChampVa which is another military insurance, and they paid for my gastric bypass, tummy tuck and breast reduction. They are a little different but are military. You will need to get doctors documentation for reconstructive surgery. Hope this helps. Email me if you need to ask questions. Take care Tina
   — tchandler

March 2, 2006
Hi, I have Tri care Standard. My ps put in for a panniculectomy and a medial thight lift. The panni was approved, not the thighs. It only took a short time for approval. I have found they are wonderful to work with. The ps did all the paper work. I never had to have any documentation from my pc about any rashes or back problems or anything at all. Lot of folks need that, but for some reason I didn't and mine went right through.
   — Patwa

March 2, 2006
I too have Tricare Prime. They paid 100% for my open rny and 100% of my tt/hernia repair. I didn't have to have any documentation. The ps that I was refered to did all of the paperwork and all I had to do was wait for the word. A girl I know that has a different ps was put in for a thigh lift also and was approved. I guess it depends on the severity .....who knows.lol I have also heard of women getting breast lifts approved. I wish you luck...I am close to 2yrs p/o and need more stuff done but I will have to wait for a silver lining to show up in my pockets...:-) I am 5'3 and started at 265 and I am now 140. Email me if you would like to ask me any other questions or see before and after pics. [email protected] Julie
   — J. Stinard

March 3, 2006
Thank you for asking that question, Crystal. I am scheduled for wls in 11 days, and have already been hopefully looking towards the future when I may need to know the same information since I have TriCare Prime Remote insurance. Good Luck! Deb
   — Debb

March 3, 2006
I have Tricare Prime and they were awesome about the WLS but I just got denied for my TT this week. I have lost over 130 lbs and several letters from doctors and surgeons about why I needed it and also documentation of several skin rashes and Tricare said that they will not approve a TT just for hyigene reasons! I have less than a year left here and 2 more semesters of school, so I think I will wait until we get to out new duty station and try again. Good luck to you.
   — KittyKatt

March 28, 2006
Hey, I just got approved for a tummy tuck but denied a breast lift. I weighed 280 before surgery and I am down to 140. I've heard to just appeal appeal appeal.
   — JB