clawrence

Hi Everyone. Like most of you, I have been doing my research. My PCP has agreed that after a year 1/2 of monitoring my diet, exercise, diet pills, and multiple medical issues that have been affected due to weight. That she feels that I would benefit from the WLS. Well we are currently stationed at Fort Benning, live off post. But as far as I know, we don't have Bariatrics at MACH. We do have a WLSupport group, but nothing else. My PCP is planning to refer me to the West Georgia Bariatrics. They do all 3 surgeries and I have been to their seminar. But after going speaking to some of the other patients and listening to what they have to say. I think I fit better in the sleeve catagory. So that brings me back to where I began. Looking for some where to get the surgery. So far it seems Gordon. So, how do I go about getting in to them? with me being so far away, will they allow me to do the WLSupport group meetings at benning? or with the W. GA bariatrics? Will I need to go through all their requirements even if I have already been taking the steps here: such as dietician, food psychologist, cardiologist, PT, PCP monitoring diet, diet pills, etc. And thanks to the medical issues from my wieght I have had recent echos, ekg, MRI, XRAY, and a surgery that actually had me down as sleep apena so that was studied as well. This is so frustrating. I hate the idea of having to travel so much for this. It is well worth it, but I still have to work as well and have younger children at home, so that is the hard part. Would love to be able to do all the leg work here in Columbus and then go there to meet the surgical team and get it done there. Any help or advise would be fantastic! Cyndi

How many times are you required to see the nut? My surgeon is wanting me to see the nut at least 3 times before surgery and then one week out then 30 days. I like the idea of having him on board just in case I need ideas afterwards if I am lacking proper nutrients. But the problem is my ins will not pay for it. They covered the dietician who is in with my endocrinologist..

Nope. I questioned them as well. From what I understood lap band and RNY were the only approved. They are writing it all out. All I know as of right now tri care has approved 6 visits with the surgeon and coordinator. He is also doing my EGD this week. Which may change what surgery he feels I need anyway.

I am not sure how it works to get the sleeve approved, besides at a MTF. Where Tri Care does not have a say in if you get approved or not. We are active duty and live off post from Ft. Benning. I am looking to get the sleeve done, my surgeon said to let him worry about how Tri Care will approve. For me to stay focused on getting healthy, and finishing up all the steps to get sleeved. ?? We are looking at a Mid December surgery date. I will believe it when I laying on that operating table about to be sedated!

I am starting the process right now in Columbus Georgia! Yes I said Columbus. They just opened their bariatrics at Columbus regional. With dr. Paul T. Cartwright. I go in for my first appointment Monday. And they take Tri Care prime!