Amaris

Thanks for the info on the different TriCare offerings. As I already mentioned, we have Reserve Select, so we will be having some out-of-pocket expenses -- plus my surgeon is out-of-network, so those expenses will be a little higher. But, when I checked on the TriWest website, there are no doctors in-network for at least a 250 mile radius! I just got a doctor's referral Tuesday, for which I was grateful. I knew my primary care doctor would be supportive, but since I'm just establishing with him as a patient, I was afraid he'd want to watch me for a few months, get to know me better, or put me on some kind of a diet to prove I couldn't do this myself. Instead, he just smiled and said, "Sure" and set about writing my referral. I was so glad! I just have to finish filling out the 14-page patient profile and get it in the mail -- then the surgeon's office will make an appointment for me, and we'll get the ball rolling! I won't make my final decision until I've met with the surgeon for a consult, but right now, I'm really leaning toward YES! DO THIS!

I have BiPolar Type I, and some anxiety. I went to my seminar today and I asked the surgeon afterwards if it would be an issue. He says it shouldn't be, as long as I was stabilized. He did say that it could influence which type of procedure I could have (he does both gastric bypass and the band), because of the absorption of my meds. I was already leaning toward the band, so that worked for me! I am reading a book on adjustable gastric band surgery by Dr. Sewell (forgot the name of the book and I don't have it with me, sorry!), and he does mention that it has been considered that clinically depressed patients wouldn't do as well, on the whole. I believe that the book goes on to say that that hasn't been substantiated. At any rate -- good luck to you! Let us know what happens!

I am struggling with the "who to tell" issue. So far, I've told my husband, my best friend and my in-laws that I'm considering the surgery. I only told my in-laws because I am staying with them for the week-end and disappeared to go to my seminar; they were curious about where I was going. They both seem very supportive. I do blog about my experience, but I do so anonymously. I really admire the people who are so open about it, but the potential scrutiny just makes me uncomfortable. Maybe as I see success, I'll feel more comfortable talking about it. I don't know who else I'll tell ... I guess I'll treat each relationship individually, and do what feels comfortable. Of course, I'll tell all of my medical team and my therapist! In fact, I'm counting on support from all of them!

Good luck with the pre-op diet and the procedure itself. I'll be following your progress! I have TriCare Reserve Select, so I don't know if I need a referral or not. I'll have to check my benefits book or call TriWest for more information. My seminar is tomorrow at 10AM. I'm getting excited! I'm eager to learn more about all this and meet the surgeon. Again, good luck to you! :thumbup:

Thanks so much for the information. I am going to my seminar on Saturday, and am pretty excited. My husband can't go with me, so we'll probably go to another seminar in December, if I like what I hear. I have several co-morbidities and am almost 200% so am not expecting any hassle. I do start with a new primary care physician on Tuesday, and I hope he'll be on board. I think he will be because when I saw him during a recent hospital stay, me mentioned that I might want to consider the lapband in the future. I saw -- Why wait??? Thanks again. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

Hi Michelle! I'm in the High Desert, north of Victorville. After I read all this stuff about 1800getslim, I did some research and found a doctor in San Bernardino whose clinic is designated as a "Center of Excellence". He has a seminar BEFORE the one at getslim, so I'll probably go to it instead. If I don't like this doctor, I'll sure check out the one you mentioned! I'm hoping to find someone a little closer to home, though.

Congratulations! I read your intro post, so was doubly happy to hear about your approval! I have TriCare Reserve Select insurance. From their website, I know that they cover the lapband, but I don't yet know any of the details about what kind of hoops you have to jump through, etc. Can you tell me a little bit about the application/approval process? Thanks!