Question:
Is it possible for a military dependent to have this surgery done at a MTF

I see someone posted that they had their surgery at a Naval Hospital. Are all military dependents who are eligible for WLS able to utilize the benefit of MTFs? Where do they do this surgery that you know of?    — Danyelle K. (posted on November 10, 2003)

November 10, 2003
yes you can have it at a MTF, but i wouldn't for 2 reasons. first the waiting list can be over a year. second they don't have long term programs for wls. when you get your referal from your pcp, 24 hours later you need to call they number your doctor gave you to set up an appointment with a wls doctor. tricare will give you a list of doctors in your area that are approved to do this surgery(just because a doctor takes tricare doesn't mean that tricare approves them to preform wls). if you have any questions email me [email protected]
   — franbvan

November 10, 2003
Fran, your experience may be true for your MTF, but it is NOT that way at all. Our Army hospital does have long term followup. (Of course, if YOU move you'll have to find a new team.) We also have an active support group with is routinely attended by the surgeons, nutritionists, etc. Now that our deployed personnel have returned, you can go from PCM referral to OR is less than 3 months. (I had my surgery during the deployment and waited only 5 months). At the moment, we also have a PS who will do follow-on surgery once your at goal and have maintained for a while. Danyelle, get in touch with your PCM to start with and find out what is happening at YOUR MTF. And good luck! Leslie Open RNY 6/17/03 265/182/hoping for 140
   — Leslie R.

November 10, 2003
Hi, Danyelle! Yes you are eligible for surgery at a MTF if it is available there. There is usually a significant waiting list at the MTFs, but there will refer you to a civilian if it is too long. Here in Hawaii, WLS is offered at Tripler Army Medical Center and there is an extensive post-op program as well. I know there are many MTFs around the country that perform the surgery as well. As long as you qualify for the surgery, you should have the option of having surgery at your MTF. Hope this helps, Kalena
   — Kalena B.

December 22, 2003
I had my WLS done at Madigan Army Medical Center on June 17, 2002 and I would recommend Dr. Carter to ANYONE. He is the Chief of Bariatrics there and just a top notch guy. We PCS'ed from Washington to KY NINE days post op and he has kept tabs on me since my surgery. He has gone so far as to call and check on me after I sent him a letter out of concern on how my PCP was treating my post op needs. I know Madigan has a really strict post-op routine that they follow and has a really great support group so it IS possible to have a good experience through your MTF. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't have had it done anywhere else.
   — cdrice