Question:
Has anyone had a choice to have WLS in a Military Hospital?

My husband is active duty military, and my PCP has given me a referal to Tri-care to see a civilian Bariactrics doctor. Well that is fine but I had to go on a waiting list, this May (00. And I finally have an appointment to see the Dr. 12 Feb 02, then after that i think he will make my appointment, about another 3 or 4 months. What i am asking is if there were any military spouses out there have to go this long, if not what other options or advice can you give. I have this weight problem most of life so whats a little waiting?    — Tina B. (posted on December 1, 2001)

December 1, 2001
I am also a military spouse. The Navy hospital in my town does not offer WLS, however, Madigan Army Medical Center does and so do several others. I know that the waiting list at Madigan is about 1 year. Using a military facility will not necessarily shorten your waiting period. I finally got a date after waiting for the past year. My surgury is 12/17/01. Tricare offered to send me through a civilian Dr.because the wait is so long and they will authorize 3 pre-op visits, but that doesn't mean you are approved for surgury. The surgical approval is totally separate. I have heard that tri-care is not too bad to deal with though. My advise is find a surgeon and medical facility that you have total confidence in. Don't settle for a "quick" solution. Find the best treatment that suits your needs.
   — Anne L.

December 1, 2001
Hello Tina: In response to your question...I am an AF spouse and traveled from Aviano, Italy to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas to have WLS. Wilford Hall Maedical Center (WHMC) has two bariatric surgeons on staff who are both excellent. WHMC accepts referrals from all states as well as from overseas. The entire process from start to actual surgery date took about 5 months. Please feel free to email me and I will be happy to share information. Good Luck with your quest. Tkae care and Ciao....
   — perezrdh

December 1, 2001
I had my surgery done at a Naval Hopital. The care was super and the surgeon is top notch. He travels to train other military surgeons. His wait was 8 months at the time I was put on the waiting list. They will not champus-out here. I was disappointed in the wait, but ended up to be WELL worth it. Good luck on your journey.
   — Cheri M.

December 2, 2001
Tina,I'm also a military spouse and have chosen to go off post. The military hospital here (Ft.Irwin, Ca)is very small and the surgern has not done many of these at all. I will be going to Fountian Valley, Ca for mine which is about 21/2 hours aways. I feel its the best choice for me. I did not have to wait that long to get approved and everything rolling but husband went on orders. I had a date for Oct. 3rd but I changed it to after christmas so he could be there for me.I dont regret it at all. This is something that I have dreamed of all my life and now I feel confidant that these surgerns will do great. Do whats best for you and make sure your comftable with the dr. and staff. Good luck
   — Vickie P.

December 2, 2001
Tina, My husband is also active duty, and I had my surgery 6 weeks ago at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in D.C. The wait from the first referral from my PCP to an actual surgery date was about 8 months, but from the reading I've done here on AMOS, that sounds about standard whether military or civilian. I also understand that if your surgeon thinks you're an appropriate candidate for WLS, then Tricare Prime will approve you without too much trouble. If you're interested in finding a military surgeon, ask your PCP a) if there are any qualified surgeons in the military system in your area (remember, the hospital doesn't have to be within the same branch of the service), OR b) if he/she can refer you to a surgeon out of the immediate area (ex: Walter Reed in DC or Wilford Hall in San Antonio). Good Luck! Sheri
   — Sheri Z.