Hi, I got banded Oct. 7th. and am also a tricare patient, they approved me within days.....so you will have no problem with that! I am alot older than you, but I will say you have the best years of your life ahead of you, I wish I wouldn't have wasted so many of my good years being fat!! I'm so ready though.....I've lost 32 #'s already and hope to keep it coming off that quickly! My body kinda gave up on me this last week, but thanks to a wonderful husband I should be on the mend soon!! Good luck with your journey! Jen