katwmn63

it's ok --- it's just a formality--- it's all good!!!!! DEFINATELY keep us posted..k?

i was very concerned about my psych eval. i am treated for generalized anxiety. i am one of many who didn't even have to take a test (MMPI). The psych asked me questions regarding my ability to follow pre and post op instructions, then wrote a letter regarding how (my weight) affected me emotionally and any attempts made in the past at weight loss. done in 30 mins and the letter was faxed from his office to my surgeon that afternoon. i also do not believe that being treated for depression while going through a divorce is going to prevent you from getting the procedure. it simply shows that, like WLS, you are being proactive in your health, both mental and physical. Good Luck!

WTG Chad I too am shooting for the 30th!

Hello again:) I registerd with Tricare North, and ugggh, I have to wait for a security code to come in the mail before I can access "my-Tricare". I leave for a 2 week florida trip in a few days (won't get my mail) so I guess I'll have to hope my surgeon's office calls me on my cell phone or notifies me by e-mail. What a distraction this could potentialy be on my vacation:[ I'll keep my fingers crossed though and try to remain optimistic. Maybe I'll get good news and be in the perfect place to celebrate! take care, congrats to you:) and thanks!!!!

I am soooo happy for you!!!! Please keep me posted. when you get a chance, could you send me the link for the tricare website? i must be going to the wrong one because i cannot find where to register and check on a claim or preapproval/preauthorization. my email is katwmn63@yahoo.com i wish you the very best success...i hope i can see an "approved" on the website for me too:)

you will do great...when he drives you nuts, just come right back here and vent again. we'll be here for you :thumbup:

gone fishin: just let it roll :thumbup: we're all in this together, sisters AND brothers

if it were 5 or even 10 pounds, i'd say do it. i also agree that adding a roll of quarters to the cuff of each pant leg is ok....but that won't add up to 20 lbs (perhaps a combo of both would be less drastic-a few pounds and some quarters). here is where i question: you are desperate enough to gain 20lbs, but perhaps not desperate enough to spend the money to self pay. I understand desperation, i really do as i was faced with this a few years ago. i chose to try and lose weight on my own rather than gain for WLS. here i am a few years later 25 lbs heavier and getting WLS. i guess what i am trying to say is that you should probably get the WLS as most of us fail at long term weight loss once we've crossed that BMI of 35, but you must decide for yourself what is more reasonable...20 more pounds or a few years of catching up financialy. I only suggest you make the "healthier" choice. best of luck, -kat

All the preops are done! The paperwork goes off to my insurance (Tricare) in the next few days. I have everyone's blessing... even my husband's- which took time to get. Everyone here has been an important source of support for me. Wish me luck. Now I wait.....:grouphug: -kat

I'm also a teacher (HS 11th &12th), and am hoping to get my surgery done before school starts again this fall. Good luck to both of us:)

Thanks, I'm hopeful :grouphug:

that is wonderful... i too hope you get approved in a day! i have never been on the tricare website to check on my own personal claims. will i be able to register and access that info right away or is it a longer process? thanks!

i really hope so. all my preops are done. paperwork goes in within the next few days and I wait for insurance (tricare) approval. The plan is for a July surgery date once we get approval. Tricare usually gives a quick decision. I hope i am a July bandster with you!!!! -kat

it sounds very likely that now that it is getting closer, he is getting scared for you. everyone deals with stress/fear differently. i bet the same questions coming out of his mouth, are the same as the ones you asked yourself in your head when making your decision to have this procedure. it is a sign that he cares and is going through it wth you. good luck

if this isn't getting too crazy for you, would you forward one to me via email? katwmn63@yahoo.com

3 down and 1 to go! Esophagram and nutrition consult done on June 4, psych this morning... all went well. Now this afternoon at 2pm i have an appt with my PCP. I have no idea what to ask of him, and I can't reach my surgeon's office (which is unusual...they are normally very availale and quick to answer questions). My surgeon's coordinator told me to get the espohagram, nutrition and psych, but never really mentioned a letter from my pcp. But have seen threads on here that mention requiring it, plus he has followed me medically for so many years, i just made the appt assuming i should. Does anyone with tricare even need a pcp letter (other than for the initial referral to the surgeon)? Does anyone think I should have him write me a letter just in case? If so... what should it say? He is a very conservative man....hmmmm:glare:

..wel i had the appt w/my pcp and to my surprise he was all for me having the procedure!:grouphug: He even asked if i needed a referral letter, that he'd be happy to write one. So i decided to wait to hear back from my surgeon and agreed I will call him (PCP) if I need one. that went soooo much better than I imagined. now.... if only the insurance company cooperates so well :l

Hi 2000 hope: I have a BMI of 40.1 and am 100 pounds over my ideal weight. i also have a comorbid of arthritis and i am applying through Tricare. Let's compare the responses we get. They should be darn close:) hope you keep my posted!

Do you mind my asking why your insurance denied you? I think it is awful when one has to self pay who needs the procedure.