Question:
Has anyone with Tricare Prime gotten breast implants post gastric bypass?

I will be year out as of Mar 17. I am estatic about my weight loss, I couldn't be happier....well almost. The first thing I lost was my breasts. I went from a full B cup down to barely filling an A cup. I guess I shouldn't complain...and I'm not. I was just wondering if Tricare will help me get breast implants to better my self image. See I'm going through the big D, and so I've been dating only I feel so self consious bout my breast size. Nobody has complained, I just think my self-esteem would greatly improve having my boobs back. Has anyone out there had breast implants through Tricare Prime? If so how hard was the process? I know, before ya'll say it..when will we ever be satisfied with our bodies? Don't get me wrong if this is the way I have to be, I will accept it. SEvere anemia and no boobs is, trust me, a small price to pay to be where I am now, but if can get my breasts back I want to at least try...Thanks    — Jillisa R. (posted on January 24, 2005)

January 24, 2005
A Good friend of mine had her PCM submit her referral stating that she had breast abnormalities. Rather than emphasizing that it was cosmetic. She has seen the PS and is awaiting approval for augmentation. It truly is a case by case subject. She has already had her Tummy Tuck.
   — Tiff's On a Mission

January 24, 2005
From what I hear, just about NO insurance company will pay for breast implants, they do not feel it is medical necessity. When I was approved my breast reduction from Tricare Prime, my ps was happy that I came in when I did and did not wait until I was at goal. The reason the breast sag, we lose the tissue and usually need implants. Good luck, but I would start doing some shopping around for a ps to do the breast implants.
   — cindy

January 25, 2005
Nope, Tricare specifically excludes implants. Heck, they don't even do "lifts", only reductions. Now they will do reconstruction using your own tissue. But as someon else said, it is truely case by case. But implants are specifically EXCLUDE implants. It is in our policy guide.
   — MagickalMom

January 25, 2005
BTW-- If you every have questions on Tricae you can get it stright from them either from their website or by using the e-mail Q&A option on the website. HTH!
   — MagickalMom