Tricare Now covers LapBand
TRICARE covers gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap Band surgery) is covered only when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions:
Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints
Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure
Has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and because of complications, requires another surgery (takedown)
TRICARE does not cover:
Nonsurgical treatment of obesity, morbid obesity, dietary control or weight reduction
Biliopancreatic bypass, gastric bubble or balloon for the treatment of morbid obesity
Tricare uses the Metropolitan Life Weight Chart which you can find if you search on-line for it
