bullock512

This is the exact information I also need. Did you ever find a doctor in the area Majacw?? I am new to the Columbus area as my husband and I just PCS'ed from Ft Campbell. I had my surgery in Tennessee but now I need a doctor here for care. Where you successful with finding someone?? I received a referral from Tricare, however it is for a dr in Decauter, GA.......2 hours away!

Hello! I have tricare north as well and I am waiting for approval. You are not required to have a supervised diet. All I had to do was have a referal from my PCP, a psych evaluation and of course the things your surgeon requires. It's simple with tricare

I agree 100%. I am also a Tricare (north) Prime patient and did not do a 6 month diet. It was a fairly easy process and I'm so happy that I did it. I was banded 11-3-11 and am down about 32 lbs!

I just had surgery on Nov. 3, 2011 and did not have to do a 6 month diet. I have Tricare (north) Prime. My surgeon also stated that Tricare was pretty easy to get an approval from. For the most part if your PCM/PCP will give you a referral and it's approved surgery is approved unless something else pops up with all your pre-op testing.

I am also in Tricare (North) Prime and did not have to have a documented diet plan. I was approved on my first attempt as well.

I am an Army wife and also have Tricare Prime (North). I am 27 years old and have type 2 diabetes. I am 5'2" and my starting weight was 228lbs. I asked my PCM for a referral and was approved on the first go around. You should be okay just make sure to cross all your t's and dot all your i's. You know how the military can be at times, LOL. Good luck!

The chest pain is most likely from gas. Take gas-x strips, and walk walk walk. Try doing windmills with your arms as well. And 10 lbs is great.

I agree! I think it may be gas but if these things don't work please call your doctor or go to the ER. 10 lbs in a week is awesome! Great job!

I <3 this post, lol. I'm glad people were able to answer it and I'm glad someone else asked! Haha, my husband seen this and has been talking about it all day! You all rock!

I am a military wife so I used Tricare and started my journey in May but then had to change surgeons, lol. SO I met with my actual surgeon in July and by September I was approved and called for a date. Though due to training of my husband I pushed my surgery off until November 3rd.

You are not crazy! I was terrified of going through this, thankfully I have not experienced it myself. It was talked about at the very first support group meeting I went to before surgery. If it doesn't get better soon or you think its just too much please go talk to a doctor, either your surgeon or your primary doctor. You could probably Google Hibernation Syndrome and it could give you more information on it.

There is an actual name for it. It's called Hibernation Syndrome. It can happen at any time and will and can affect us all in different ways. If you don't get to feeling better soon please call your doctor and make sure it just your body adjusting to the new eating habits and far less calories.

I was banded 11-3-11. It's good to see another November person, lol. I have recently hit my first stall. I have also lost 30 lbs. So its reassuring to me to know its "normal", LOL. I got my first fill on December 16th at my 6 week check-up. I have an appointment scheduled for the 23rd or so this month for another possible fill. I only feel restricted sometimes, mainly when I don't chew well enough. Other than that I'm 100% happy with my choice and my weight loss. How are you feeling, and when was your surgery date?

I was Banded Nov. 3, 2011 and since then I have lost 28lbs!

Congratulations!! That is awesome!

I am now about 8 weeks out and I have been picking up my 17 month old son since about 2 weeks out. You should be fine!

Banded 11/3/11

I agree with LB4Me. My surgeon said he wanted me on full liquids at least the day of the fill and the next day soft foods. I have only had the 1 fill (6 weeks post-op). I'm not sure how other doctors do it but mine gave me a light stick of something to help numb the area before the actual fill. I was then asked to drink some Water to make sure everything felt fine. It will go quickly so try to breathe!

Banded 11/3/11

Thank you so much!! I am really looking forward to my surgery. I know it's going to be a long hard journey but I know in the end it will be worth every difficult step. I have already started a WLS Scrapbook with pictures and measurements. I don't actually have surgery scheduled until the beginning of November so I will look into the blogs. Thank you again, and congratulations on both your weight losses.

@ PalmbayTish -- I agree I think Gastric is extreme and the mal-absorbtion is a little to extreme for me when there are other options. I hope you get good information at the seminar. Good luck!

Thank you so much!! I am so excited for the new journey to start! I think it's going to be difficult at first but more than worth it in the long run. Actually the Lap Band surgery was brought up to me by my PCP when I was first diagnosed as Diabetic, literally the same appointment. He thought it would be a good idea for me and he thought I would be a good candidate. However at that time I was trying to get pregnant so it was placed on the back burner until after my son was born. I would definitely recommend reading "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies." It will take you from the very beginning and tell you what to expect every step on the way. They also have menus for both Gastric Bypass and Lap Band patients. I hope everything goes as smooth for you as it has went for me. Congratulations on deciding to learn more and look into what can be a WONDERFUL life change!

Congratulations!! I know you are so excited!!

Hello!! I am new here and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself! My name is Emily and I am almost 27 years old. I have been married 10 years and have 2 happy, healthy beautiful babies ( almost 5 & 14 months.) I have just been approved by my Insurance company and have a surgery date of November 3, 2011. I am type 2 diabetic and have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. My surgeon is Dr. William Steely and from my consults he has been wonderful!! He has been practicing Gastric Bypass surgeries from 20 years. He & his staff have been very patient and very kind. I am really looking forward to starting my new journey in life with this surgery. I have already found some great advice and recipes on the forum. I look forward to getting to hear your stories and getting to know some of you!

Those shake ideas look GREAT!! Thank you so much for sharing! It's making me even more excited to get my new life started!