italianAFwife

Hi everyone! I've been registered on here since December, but this is my first post. Everything has really just been a whirlwind from the beginning. I've actually looked into weight loss surgery for about 15 years so the whirlwind is good. So here is how it all went about. I got my referral from the doc here on base on the 9th of Jan, I called Tricare to get my referral number on the 12th. I then called the surgeon that same day. They gave me an appointment the morning of Friday the 16th. My surgeon said Tricare required a referral letter written from my doctor, so I went to the base, to get that to my doc. He told me to write a letter and he would sign it. I did that, brought the letter back to him that day. He signed it, I took it home, scanned it and emailed the letter to my surgeons office. This Monday the 26th I go to my pre-surgery class and my surgery is on the 28th. It literally took Tricare a day to approve my surgery. I was really excited and now, I'm stinkin' scared! lol Not scared... more REALLY anxious and nervous. I'm ready to start my life again... So, anything I need to do or prepare for, or anything that helped people with the pain...any and all of the above that you can offer would be wonderful. :tt2:) Have a great day! Dena:thumbup:

Hey everyone. I got banded on January 28th, 2009 and I'm still trying recover. I've had a rough few days. Tonight, I'm actually getting to the point that I'm feeling better. My husband and son are great caretakers! Thank goodness! Anyhow....Thanks for all of your help and advice. Have a wonderful day!

Hi everyone! Had my surgery on Wednesday, Jan 28th and man! I had a rougher day today than the first day. Had some problems taking pills on the day of surgery and still have to cut into 1/8ths to take. Felt like I swallowed a sharp rock! The incisions aren't as bad as the gas pain. I laid down for a bit on the couch today, but felt very tight, so I'm back in the recliner. YUCK! I don't sleep well in chairs. Everything tastes different right now. The first day, sugar free cherry jello was wonderful, but now it tastes like cough syrup. I haven't gotten to the point that it's worth the pain yet, but I can tell tonight, I'm feeling better. It's easier to get up and down. Coughing really hurts. Not looking forward to a sneeze! :thumbup:) Looking forward to chewing something. Eggs sound amazing right now... No idea why. Haven't been able to do much other than drink watered down juice and V8. Had too much broth in the hospital. I did get some Lipton creamy chicken soup which has hit the spot somewhat. Can't seem to get any protein in yet. Tried some protein shakes, carnation instant breakfast...can't get that down yet. But, I'll keep trying. :scared:

Sonya, I'm being banded by Dr. Simpson on January 28th!!! They aren't requiring any diet or even testing pre-op. I go to a class on Monday afternoon, and I'll be going in early on Wednesday to have all of my testing done before my surgery. I think some of it has to do with dr. preference as well as insurance preference. Too bad we're not having our surgery together. :scared2:) Dena:biggrin:

Thanks for your comment. I know there is entirely too much info on websites like this one. I was trying to get some advice from people who have been through the actual surgery, other than a doctor or office manager who is trying to sell me on a surgery. I've got the diet info from my surgeon and have done research on it all for years, I also have friends who have had gastric bypass surgery who have succeeded and who have failed on them. I've also had laprascopic surgery before and had amazing pain in my shoulders, so I was also trying to see what anyone else had success on for post-surgery. Again, thanks for the reply... Dena:thumbup:

pappyny, I weigh 290 and severe psoriatic arthritis. If you go online to the tricareonline.com website, there is a section called services and benefits, it gives the requirements for eligibility. Did you already get the referral from the doc on base? If so, you will also need to get a referral letter from him, in addition to his referral to a surgeon. I looked several up here online and found samples that I copied and took to my base doc. Luckily he is really laid back and let me write my own letter. I'm sorry I don't have much more information for you. Keep me informed of how things go. I would love to hear back from you. God Bless! Dena