enjoiinglife

Hello~ I was banded a little over three years ago, and have since lost 150+ lbs. However, in the last 18 months I have stopped losing (which I still need to do) and have gradually gained some back (about 25lbs). I have always be ULTRA sensitive to my band, I have had to have all the liquids removed twice due to complications. One just happened three weeks ago, and since the liquid is out, to be honest I haven’t felt this good in over a year. This doesn't count all the multipy trips to the Dr. office after a fill to have some taken out cause I couldn't swallow liquid. I tend to swell anytime they mess with my band. This has led me to the thought of just having it removed for good. Then someone told me about the sleeve, which has taken me on a two week information mission. What I have learned from reading this site and others is TriCARE does not the surgery, however, we can have it preformed at a MTF. So my questions are. 1. Where do I start since I am tricare standard, and don’t have a PCM. 2. Will they perform VSG since I have already been band? 3. I live in Delaware does anyone know where the closest MTF that does VSG is? Thanks in advance for any help!

Thanks for answering so quickly. So my next questions are: 1. What should my PCM say on the referral, and a civilian PCM would work? 2. How long does the process take? Ideally I would like it during the summer when the kids are out of school. However, begger would be choosy. 3. Portsmouth VA? How is the faculity? Both Bethesda and Portsmouth VA are about 2 1/2 hours away from me, so either would work. Thanks again!!