This is my first time posting, and recently I've decided the lap band might be my best option.
A year and 1/2 ago I was on my way to losing weight after having a baby. I went from 230 to 179. I tore my meniscus working out. X-rays revealed I had degenerative arthritis so my doctor did not send me to an orthopedic surgeon immediately. You can't see a torn meniscus on x-ray. He basically told me take ibuprofen. Needless to say my meniscus was torn six months before I had surgery. In any case, it's been a year since my surgery and my knee has never been the same.
I was able to maintain my weight for a year but recently I gained 15 pounds a couple of months ago, and another 15 for a total of 30 pounds in 3 months. To make matters worse I am pretty sure I tore my other meniscus last month. I've been hoping it will heal, but it's not happening.
Up until last year, I have always been able to work out to lose weight, although I have always had a few extra pounds after having children, but I've always been ok with that. Now I can't even work out anymore (ex. treadmill, lunges, elliptical) and I feel horribly stuck. I am going to get a referral for physical therapy to try to get my knees to as normal as I can. I think at this point, I have fought the good fight, and now I am seriously considering this surgery.
Right now I weigh 214 (BMI 36) and to be considered for surgery with tricare prime I need to be at 227 (I am 5' 5".) At the rate I am going the few extra pounds is nothing.
This is my question. According to tricare, one criteria is to have severe arthritis. How does one figure what severe arthritis is? I have x-rays with degenerative arthritis in my right knee, and I probably have it in my left. As I understand arthritis does not always show on x-rays. If it shows on an x-ray would this meet the severe arthritis criteria?
I may be very close to being diabetic or possibly having it at this point with how much weight I have gained. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant. Having gestational diabetes is a indicator you will have diabetes at some point in your life, does tricare take this into account?
Thank you in advance :thumbdown:
