obgray

TRICARE has covered all of my fills. I had 6 visits on my initial authorization, and then I just had to have my PCM put in another referral for more visits. Got 6 more visits.

I use GNC 100% Whey Protein drink, any of the flavors are great, but my favorite is the Banana cream. I add two packets of splenda and skim milk. If is delicious. If I had to I could surive on that alone. The orange dreamsicle is also great.

Here are the guidelines from the Tricare manual which govern approval/disapproval of gastric banding.A. Gastric bypass, gastric stapling or gastroplasty, to include vertical bandedgastroplasty is covered when one of the following conditions is met:1. The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints.2. The patient is 200% or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category.3. The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown).B. In determining the ideal body weight for morbid obesity using the Metropolitan LifeTable, contractors must apply 100 pounds (or 200%) to both the lower and higher end of theweight range. Payment will be allowed when beneficiaries meet all requirements for morbidobesity surgery including the ideal weight within the newly determined range.I had surgery done on 15 May 08 and it was paid for by Tricare. See the surgeon, and let his staff take it from there. Good luck. It is well worth it.

I switched to the GNC chewable Solutron vitamin. They are wild berry flavored and very good.

I was banded on 5/15 and after one week on liquids I had absolutely no energy what so ever. I didnot have enough energy to even talk on the phone. I went to the DR's office and they started me on protein shakes and advanced me to a soft diet. I also started making the protein pudding. Over a period of about 1 week, my energy started to come back. I am now back to work and working 10 to 12 hour days without a problem. Just saw the doctor again today, and was advanced to regular food, and will have my first fill on July 2. I have lost about 20 pounds. Keep up the great weight loss and your energy will back soon.

I am on clear liquids for 2 weeks, and all have to be sugar free. I am going to call tomorrow and see if I can have some protein water. See the nurse this Friday, maybe I can be advanced to full liquids.

I am glad I am not the only one. I was banded on the 15th as well, and had so many plans of things I would do on my sick days. I have no energy. I am getting in all of the fluids, I am taking the vitamins, but I do something and then want to sit for an hour or so. Everyone is telling me to call the doctor, but I think this must be normal.

I am using Tricare for my surgery. I have Tricare prime and once I had the referral from the PCM, I was authorized visits with the surgeon to begin the discussions. Then there are criteria that you have to meet in order to obtain the authorization for the surgery. These include 6 months of meeting with your PCM or dietician on weight loss, an EKG, abdominal ultrasound, psych visit, blood work, physical exam, and I think there was something else but I don't have the paper work here with me now. Once all of that was submitted it took about 2 weeks to get the approval for the surgery. My surgery is tomorrow in Washington, DC. I was lucky that the hospital that is doing the surgery is also used to working with Tricare patients, so they knew exactly what was needed, and started the process right from my first visit. If you need any additional advice or support let me know.

Glad to see the positive responses and outcomes. I am being banded on May15th as well, and I am starting to get really nervous. The doctor and the nurse have tried to reassure me, so I am just trying to relax. Thanks for the feedback you all give

thanks, I will do atleast a week of hi pro, low carb. I am giving the doctors office a call as well. 7 days to go

Hi, I live in the Damascus area. I am having my fill done next week at Washington Hospital Center by Dr Frederick Finelli. I am getting excited, but anxious. I know WHC has a monthly support group, are there any support groups in the Maryland area. Thanks

I have my surgery on May 15th, and the doctor said I didn't need to have any special diet prior to the surgery. Does any one know if it is a frequent problem that they cannot do the surgery once you get to the OR. I know I have a fatty liver, and don't want to go thru the same disappointment.Thanks

Just joined the group. Surgery is scheduled for May15 at Washington Hospital Center in DC. I am anxious to get this done and start on the path to good health and non-aching joints. Any advice is appreciated.Thanks

I have my pre-op appointment tomorrow. I have received instructions on the post op diet, but until I was reading the threads today, I didn't realize that there was going to be a special pre-op diet as well. I was hoping for one last baked ziti.