Rsilversea

I haven't been banded yet but I've lost about 20 pounds. I measure myself every month and I've noticed that I've lost inches from the belly down but it seems like my upper arms and chest have either stayed the same or slightly increased in size. Everyone loses inches differently.

Bicycle, some strength training and the gym when the weather sucks. (Love my bicycle! Thank you, hubby!)

This will be my third time on WW. The first time I did great and liked it a lot. The second time was a waste of time. A bunch of women sitting around at lunch time talking about food. I think I gained weight that time. So far I'm liking WW. I have a good group leader and interesting people at the meetings. I'm expecting good things.

I get banded June 15th.

How about exercise too? Can't discount that.

I started WW three weeks ago and have lost 3 pounds with them. This last week has been a pain since I've been sick with a cold and haven't been able to get out of the house (no exercise). You would think that not being able to taste or smell would help since it makes eating no fun but I still get hungry. Oh well. At least when I was at the doctor's Friday I was told I have lost 26 pounds since my last visit in March. They asked when I got banded and I told them not yet.

Have you contacted your Tricare rep? They might be able to help you out.

Pretty certain it will be postponed. I'm coughing and hacking, my sinuses are stuffed and my doctor's office wouldn't move the date up a week because of it. Especially if he's taking meds for it.

I've always wanted to try it but I don't care for squash. Is it really that good?

Sounds like he's scared he's going to lose you when get skinny.

One thing about journaling, it can help you discover if you're eating emotionally if you write down how you've been feeling during the day. I happen to like writing so keeping track of stuff is no big deal.

My appeal was done via fax.

Bet you hear something positive in a week.

Buying new jewelry always makes me happy. At least you didn't flush a comb down the toilet....:laugh:

Just got notified that I was approved and am currently scheduled for June 15th.

I was just told my appeal was approved. I find this interesting since the letter I sent in still had parts of the form letter in it (forgot to finish the letter, oops). More than likely, you will get approved. Just don't lose heart and stay strong.

So Tricare is being difficult and hubby is sweating bullets. The doctor's office is confused because they say Tricare is not being consistent and using outdated regulations. I have to go in and get measured. Hubby wants to know if anyone has appealed a denial to Tricare and been approved and if they have a copy of their appeal letter.

Contact your surgeon first. They will try an appeal but you need to do one also. I think the reason my appeal was denied was that the letter I sent was not complete (I had typed over a "form letter" and forgot to finish it). Don't give up just yet. I'm going to try one more appeal (and double check my letter this time!)

I've been told by other Tricare professionals that whoever is reviewing my case is not interpreting their policy correctly. I should qualify but none of this is helping me at this point. I'm giving it one more try then hoping that their policy changes soon. I'm starting Weight Watchers today. I'm depressed and frustrated.

Unfortunately, I have no co-morbidities. My triglycerides are high but I don't need to be on medication--yet. I've been told by other Tricare professionals that whoever is reviewing my case is reading their policy wrong but that doesn't help me. I'm going to try one more time but I'm starting Weight Watchers today. I've pretty much lost hope.

I've been informed my appeal was denied. Back to Weight Watchers until Tricare changes their policy.

I'm in Tricare North. They have received my appeal and will hopefully hear something by the end of the week or beginning next.

Tricare doesn't make sense. But for those of us who have it, we deal with it. And yes, they are in the process of changing their policy but as with any federal program, who knows when it will take effect. I am 100 pounds overweight with no co-morbidities and am currently waiting on my appeal. I was not measured at my surgeon's office since they have never had to deal with this policy before. They took my word that I was 5" 3" (as have every doctor I've seen in the past 25 years). I was just remeasured at a military medical clinic and found to be 5" 1". That puts me well within Tricare's standards for "morbidly obese" (meaning I qualify) but now I have to wait for the appeal. And yes, they frustrate me (as if you couldn't tell). If you have concerns, talk to your PCM, your surgeon and your Tricare specialist. They will help you out.

Yes you do.

The surgeon puts in the letter.