Question:
Anyone have experience with TriCare/WLS overseas???

Hi. I am currently stationed at an Army Base in Germany. I'm just wondering if anyone had this surgery (RNY) over here and if they could recommend a doctor. I don't think I should have a problem getting TriCare to cover it, since I have a BMI of 41 and co-morbidities, but am kind of nervous since I am not familiar with the medical system here. I know that I would have to be referred to a German doctor and hospital because I am told neither Army hospital here will do it. ANY INFO APPRECIATED!!    — Jennifer H. (posted on March 7, 2003)

March 7, 2003
I don't know for sure but I have heard that Tricare will not let you have the surgery until you are stateside. Good luck!
   — Tami H.

March 7, 2003
Hi, I just wanted to let you know some info I have about surgery in Germany. I was there and found that there was a surgeon at Wurzberg Army Hospital that would be interested in doing it. Of course you still have to see all the doctors, etc. that you would here and I don't know his exact qualifications. I suggest calling there and asking for general surgery. Tell them what surgery you are interested in and ask if there is anyone that is still there that would do it, maybe a gasto doc. Good luck to you. Email me if I can answer anything else. [email protected]
   — Charmaine R.

March 7, 2003
i was stationed there too. i have heard of people coming stateside for the surgery at a military hospital or network doctor. the tricare office on base is a pain to call.. you get more info if you go there inperson. ask them how to go about it. also make sure you take a printout (you can get it online) on the page about wls. just because they are military doctors doesn't mean they know the requirements. i have hear from people who had a bmi of 48 not getting it done because there pcp told them they couldn't do it. i know 3 people who had it done at landstul hospital. since you meet tricares guidelines i would go to the office and sit down with someone and find out who and where you can have it done. maybe you could even have it done close to your hometown in the states so you could have family help. if you have any question please feel free to email me! good luck
   — k K.