Hi aandbsmommy! I have Tricare prime and was banded a week ago. Here are the things I had to do before everything was submitted to tricare..
*Referral from PCM to surgeon(Met with surgeon twice before they submitted the paperwork)
*Some blood tests
*Psych consult(needed PCM referral)
*sleep Study(needed PCM referral)
*See a nutritionist once before surgery(My only out of pocket expense of $100)
The whole process took me four months but only because the place where I was getting my sleep study done was booked for three months. Once it was submitted to them I got the approval within five business days. Tricare is pretty fast in giving you a response as long as they have everything they need. As far as weight requirements they either want 100lbs overweight with 2 comorbitites such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure etc, or 200% over your ideal weight for your height and body frame. I have not had a fill yet but they do cover them, I think you just have to have an active referral from your PCM. If you have any questions we cant answer, feel free to call them. They are so helpful!