Hello my name is Gloria and I live in Augusta, Georgia. I don't know why Tricare won't pay for the sleeve for you when it did for me. I had the surgery done 5 April 2010 at Ft. Gordon and am happy to say that I have had no problems at all. I've lost 54 lbs so far, I started at 214 am now at 160 with a goal of 150. I was originally opting for the band but when I got here in Augusta and went to Ft. Gordon the doctors there recommended the sleeve, which I had heard nothing about. I had read in the newsletter before I left Ft. Hood Tx that Tricare was paying for wls. So when I got here I immediately went to Ft. Gordon with the intention of getting the lap band, but as I said when I got there for orientation, the doctors there suggested the sleeve. The only thing I had to pay for I think was my food was came to about $40.00.