cozy21

Hey! I am also dealing with Tricare and was disappointed to find out they do not cover the sleeve except at certain facilities. The MTF near me has a "surgeon" who will do the sleeve; however, after meeting with him and doing a little research to his qualifications /experience compared to civilian providers, I chose to go to a civilian and do a surgery which is covered by Tricare. I know how bad you probably want this done, but use caution with the surgeons on military facilities. Also, use caution when signing over rights to sue for malpractice. I have heard many stories of people who had great success with MTFs, but have heard even more horror stories.

Hi everyone! I am fairly new to app and appreciate all of your advice. I am currently covered under Tricare Prime and have been working with a civilian provider. Everything has been going very smooth. I originally decided to get the Lap Band, but after talking to several other patients, attending support groups and information seminars, and doing a lot of soul-searching, I've decided that the sleeve will be a better option for me. As many of you know, Tricare does not cover the sleeve surgery at civlian providers, but they will cover it at an MTF. I refuse to go to the surgeon at Winn (the MTF on the post we are on) because I had an AWFUL experience with him. He is the reason why my husband and I requested a civilian provider. I am half way between Fort Jackson and Fort Benning and am willing to go to either of these facilities to get the sleeve procedure. I was curious if anyone knows any MTF bariatric providers at the on-post hospitals on either of these bases? If so, please let me know. It is a four hour drive either way for me and don't want it to be a waste of a drive! Please help me!

I am so happy that you brought up this fear! My daughter is 11 and lost her father less than two years ago. She is terrified about me dying during surgery. Even though this will improve overall quality of life, I fear that it may be a selfish decision on my part. Ugh! I don't have a date yet, but am in the final stages and should have a date by next week for January. Though I am confident in my decision, I fear the unknown for the sake of my angel!