LVGirl

Mine went very fast. Got my referral in March and had surgery in May. Longest wait was for my appt with my PCM to get all the referrals for lab, x-ray and ekg. I was approved within 2 days of them submitting everything to Tricare.

I just had my surgery on 5/27 and they did not use this new formula at that time, it was still the weight and co-morbidities. Good luck with your appeal! Tricare is one of the easier insurance companies to deal with but they are very strict about their requirements.

I haven't flown since being banded, but I do live here in Vegas. Have fun!

I had liquid Lortab as well

I have my appt today for my first fill and am wondering if I should even do it. I feel like I have restriction. I stop eating when I am satisfied. I guess this is something they will go over with me when there (?)

You did outstanding! Congrats!!

Went in for my appt and did not get a fill. The PA asked me the following: "So you're here for an adjustment. Do you think you need one?" "I don't know but don't think so" "Are you measuring your food?" "Yes" "Measuring out 4 oz every time?" "Yes, but usually don't finish it." "Do you feel full when you finish your meal?" "Yes, I feel satisfied" "Are you snacking?" "No" "And you're losing....so nope! Okay, you're good! See you in a month."

Oh, I will be going to the appt, but the fill is something I have been pondering for the past week or so. Thanks for the advice!

*Bump*

I was banded May 27th and have lost 20 lbs since surgery (10 in the week before). I have my first fill appt today. Still deciding whether to do it or not since I feel fine now.

If you haven't already appealed, there are some samples in the the Ins/Finance board on here. I think someone had a Tricare appeal on there.

I was told that by my Tricare advocate, so that is what I am going by :-)

They take your ideal weight and double it. I was 100 lbs over and had hypertension so I was approved, but without a co-morbidity I would not have been approved unless I weighed 300 lbs because my "ideal" weight for my height (5'7") is 150.

Perhaps you are too tight? I see that a lot on here and it usually affects the WL. I would discuss this with your doc and see if they take some of the fluid out of your band.

I was told no sex for 4 weeks as well but I was okay after that :-)

Plus, with losing 8 lbs pre-op, you wouldn't have a huge loss right off the bat. I lost 10 pre-op and am down 17 since surgery (tomorrow will be 5 weeks)

Your body is still recovering from the surgery so don't freak out too much. They usually say not to expect any major loss to start happening until 4-6 weeks out. I didn't even step on the scale for the first week because of all of the extra fluid and puffiness. It will come off! :-)

I am the same way. Actually, I listen to my SOS (sign of satisfaction) and it usually hits right around 3.5 oz. I don't feel "full" or "stuffed" like I used to. I feel satisfied and don't have the urge to eat more.

All of my stitches were internal so they put dermabond on me. I am almost 5 weeks out and STILL getting it coming off, but most is gone now thanks to my fingernails. LOL.

I don't think it can be more than 30 days out...but check with your surgeon.

I know how much pain I was in and how sensitive my stomach was when I got home and could not imagine trying to nurse after. Just my .02

I pre-registered so I didn't need anything but the clothes on my back. They sent me home with quite the goodie bag and my smiley face pillow. :-)

If you work the band, it will work for you. This is not an instant weight loss mechanism. You do need to put in the effort to lose the weight, but it is the most incredible tool I have ever used in my battle. I am an AF wife and I understand your stress and anxiety, but you can do it! Don't compare (or focus on) the negative responses on here or from your neighbor to yourself. Focus on you and your goal and being around in 30 years for your 14 month old. I got scared reading all of the negative posts on here but I am doing and feeling great!

I had to attend a seminar for my surgeon (but I already had the referral approved). I went to my primary and had all my testing done on the same day (lab work, ekg & chest x-ray) and then pd $125 for my psych eval through my surgeon's office. My surgery was scheduled that day because I took everything from my my appt with my PCM to the surgeon's office. I was approved in 2 business days. I did meet the requirements of 100+ overweight and had hypertension (which I was diagnosed with less than a month before I started everything.). It was much easier than I ever imagined. Good luck with everything!

Someone posted this in the Exercise forum and it is great! http://www.dynamic-progress.com/exercise-video-lecture/