Question:
How do I get started? I live in Germany.

I have seen my Dr. here and she helped a couple of others get medivaced to California. I do not know them and she said that they really did everything themselves. They did all of their tests here and when all was done, they got a date and medivaced them. She has said that I will be approved by Tricare Prime. Just getting frustraighted and fell stuck!    — Latawn H. (posted on December 1, 2001)

December 1, 2001
Hello: Please email me and I'll be happy to share all the information I have. I too am a military wife and live in Europe (Aviano, Italy). I had my surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland AFB. I was medivacced from Italy to Texas. I know of at least 10 women who traveled from Europe to the states to have WLS. It is important to have a really supportive PCM who will stand behind you and get you the referrals you need. Take care, Good Luck and please email me. Ciao....
   — perezrdh

December 1, 2001
Latawn, You will be making alot of long distance calls. Maybe you should consider a program like Net2phone where you can ether make free or low cost calls. That way you can make your appointments and perhaps talk to other people who are having the surgery by your surgeon without costing an arm and a leg. Just a thought. http://www.bemar.net/net2phone/
   — Danmark

December 1, 2001
I had a friend who lived in Germany and had surgery with Dr. Baltasar in Spain. Here's his website: (http://www.drbaltasar.com/i_default.html). Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 2, 2001
Hello Latawn! I had WLS and wish my daughter would get it also ... not for beauty but for her health. Since she moved to Germany four years ago, she too has gain a tremendous amount of weight. Her husband is a civilian working at Ramstein. I would love hearing what you find out and hope you get to have the surgery. I would not have been able to walk as much as I did when I visited Europe for the last 3 weeks (just got home last night). Prior to surgery I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs either and know what you're talking about. Good luck and the very best to you!
   — Betty Todd

December 3, 2001
Latawn, I've heard there is an excellent DS surgeon in Germany, and there is also Dr. Baltasar in Spain and another one in France, both excellent. Go to www.duodenalswitch.com for info. I would rather be near my surgeon than half a world away, if possible. Good luck!
   — Chris T.