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Hi babyka16, I started a Thread to show my story and my process into getting the Lapband to help people that are just starting out at (http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f18/introducing-myself-my-story-so-far-98091/#post1276858). I've searched Lapbandtalk.com and other websites to try to find out as much info as I possibly can and I'm still confused sometimes, lol. I posted steps on how the process on my thread and I've also included it below. I hope this helps you and wishing you luck on your process. I also have tricare prime with triwest... So for people who are just starting out I'll give you the rundown of what to do so far so your process will run more smoothly. **Remember: some doctors and different regions might run differently from mine but I'm sure the whole process is very similar (I have tricare prime with triwest)** 1.First: See if you fit tricare’s criteria for bariatric surgery... TRICARE defines "morbid obesity" as meeting one of the following conditions: a. The body weight is 100 pounds over the listed weight for height and bone structure (according to the most current Metropolitan Life Table) with one or more of the accompanying severe medical conditions which are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints—conditions shown to have higher mortality rates when associated with morbid obesity b. The body weight is 200 percent or more of listed weight range for height and bone structure (according to the most current Metropolitan Life Table) Example: if your ideal weight is 112 and your weight is 224 or more than you are 200% over your ideal weight. In addition, TRICARE will cover the gastric banding surgery if a patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery. **Note: Tricare does not require a 6 month diet plan but you primary care physician might require it before they will give you a referral** 2.Second: 1st If you haven’t already, sign up for your region’s online service so you can know if your referrals have been approved (I’m triwest so my website is triwest.com if you don’t know your region got to tricare.mil and find out). 2nd If you think you fit one or more of the above conditions for tricare, go to your primary care physician and ask for a referral to a lap band surgeon. Your best bet for getting the referral is to show and tell that you’ve tried everything to lose weight and have dealt with weight for many years (usually 5 years or more). 3. Third: When you get your referral and get approved for your first consult, which you can check online to see if your approved at triwest.com, make an appt with your surgeon of choice and print or bring the approval letter to your surgeon’s office when you go for your appt. **Some people have to see a base doctor for their surgery so you don’t have to wait for approval from tricare if you have a base doctor doing your surgery, you would have to wait for approval from the base doctor them self’s** 4. Forth: After/during making your appt make sure to ask what tests (blood tests) and classes (seminars, pshyc eval, ect.) do you have to have or can have done prior to your visit to your doctor so that after you see the doctor it won’t take longer to get approved for your surgery. The blood tests usually include (some doctors might want more blood work done): CBC & differential count, CMP, TSH, and H-pylori blood test. · A CBC is a complete blood count that is a series of lab tests that measure the amount, shapes, and sizes of red and white blood cells in a sample. The differential is a blood test that measures the different types of white blood cells and compares their amounts to the total count. · The CMP is a comprehensive metabolic panel blood test that provides information about: how the kidney and liver are functioning, sugar (glucose) and Protein levels in the blood, and the body's electrolyte and Fluid balance. · The THS is a thyroid stimulating hormone test that is a common blood test used to evaluate how well the thyroid gland is working. · The H-pylori blood test tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers; however, most people with H. pylori in their digestive systems do not develop ulcers. The Blood antibody test for H-pylori blood test checks to see whether your body has made antibodies to H. pylori bacteria. If you have antibodies to H. pylori in your blood, it means you either are currently infected or have been infected in the past. 5. Fifth: After your doctor’s office has all of your blood work, their required classes and evaluations in and you’ve been cleared by your surgeon as a good candidate for the surgery (which usually you will be cleared by your surgeon if you have a BMI of 35+ with a co-morbid OR have a BMI of 40+ and have been cleared by an nutritionist and physiatrist). The nurse or staff at your surgeon’s office will fax all the documentation to your insurance company (which would include your blood work, doctors notes, your comorbids (if any), weight, height, and bone structure, ect.) 6. Sixth: After your doctor’s office faxes your documentation to your insurance company the wait begins. For tricare I’ve heard all different things but most say they were approved within 24-48 hours. If you just can’t wait for a letter to come in the mail for your approval I would suggest to check online to see if you are approved (triwest.com or tricare.mil). If you see that you are denied don’t be alarmed just file a appeal. From what I’ve read most of the time the reason for denial’s are because your doctor’s office wrote down the wrong information (e.g. your weight is 250 but they put 225 or your height is 5’4 but they put down 5’7, ect.) or the doctor’s office left out information that is crucial to getting approved (e.g. They left out your weight or height, ect.). Just call tricare and ask why you were denied and have your surgeon’s office change what was wrong and re-fax it in to tricare and usually you will be approved if what was wrong was changed and it fit tricare’s conditions. 7. Seventh: After you get your approval your doctor’s office should get notification and so should you, either through the mail, a phone call, or you tricare region’s website. If you find out off the tricare’s website you most likely found out before your doctor’s office, I would suggest you call your doctor’s office and tell them so you can schedule your surgery. If you are anything like me when I get my letter of approval or see that I’m approved online I will first jump for joy and second call my doctors office to schedule my surgery, lol. I’m probably leaving something’s out but this is an overview of what you will have to do in trying to get approved for the Lapband. I hope this helps some of you just starting this process. I’ve looked high and low and it is really hard to find a “one stop” list of “how to” on the lapband process with tricare. I will say again that some procedures are a little different according to what region you’re in with tricare, if you have a base hospital that does Lapband there, and if you have tricare standard instead of tricare prime. But overall the process is kind of the same and will at least give you an overall look at what you have in store. I’m by far not an expert on this but I’ve read and lerked around these and other forums to get informed on the subject. I’m still on step number 4(blood work)/6 but I’m just a little step closer to my goal. I’ve been dreaming of having this tool to help me change my life I’m hoping this is it for me! I’ll keep yall updated on my progress, and I hope this helps anyone considering this surgery. Much love for you guys, wish me luck!!! :smile:

@@Stevehud Thanks for being my one and only response . All kidding aside. I would like to know how skype works in bariatric pal would love to connect with people here.

Assuming all seminars are pretty much the same, it is an informational session where the various surgeries are explained, and info about what you need to qualify. Some insurances may have different criteria, but, in general, a BMI of 40 plus 100 lbs overweight, or a BMI 35-39 with one or more co-morbidity (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint arthritis, reflux, sleep apnea--there may be more, but that is the basic list). There is no weigh in at the seminar; that would take place either at your surgical consult, or when you meet the dietician. Some insurances require a documented 6 month weight loss attempt (I didn't have that so I met with the dietician who set me up for it and I had to wait until that was over before they could submit to my insurance). You will also get a psych consult and a pre and post op meeting with the dietician, plus a class with the bariatric nurse. I had all of that, and I think in general most places work that way. The seminar is just informational, to give you an idea what to expect. If you find you don't qualify you don't have to make any other appointments, and the seminar is usually free. Good luck on your journey. The band is a tool to help you control portions; it is still up to you to eat right and exercise. Hope this helps.

Who’s your surgeon? Anyone using cooper Bariatric?

Hello all I know this is an old post but hows everyone? I am alive. I know I've neglected my Bariatric Pal family but I am 3 weeks post op and down 34 pounds. How is everyone doing? I miss you all.

I'm almost 2 years post surgery and never hit my goal weight. I didn't have that much to lose, weight before surgery - 190, 5"4 but I only got down to 140. Covid has hit, I'm a bit blue and I'm up 15 pounds. I'm disgusted with myself. I'm going back to protein shakes in morning, any suggestions? I've continued to take bariatric multivitamins, do I need to continue for the rest of my life? What kind of protein do you eat on a daily basis? I can only eat so much chicken and eggs. I need some variety. I have no energy and probably down due to the pandemic. What are you doing to stay motivated? Thanks!

Nobody says crazy. Just 'emotional'... maybe labile even. And it is not a girl thing. I sure was the same. And 5 months out I still grieve some of the security in a fatness world. This might be a help? http://www.weightlosssurgeon.com/old/bariatric-surgery-guide/a-new-way-of-thinking/emotional-issues

could you have lots of diabetes in the family? I agree with the others. Make sure you write down the names of who you speak to. Also could you get this in writing? YOu might want to talk to your boss and they might be ready to renew the contract and make changes..

Good Morning, I take the bariatric multi vitamin that is on supply at the hospital that I had surgery so it makes it easy for me and its a one a day pill. That is SUPER easy for me because I take it at 5 am before work and no worries through out the day.

Maybe I should elaborate on getting a second psych eval; After 30 mins of chatting and asking me general questions, she told me because I like certain things done in a specific way, I have OCAD! Because I don't go to bars or parties or socialize alot, I'm reclusive and anti-social. Because I usually the lead in in organizing different types of functions, I'm narcissistic!Then because I have anxiety attacks I need to get off my meds before I have surgery. So she had to go. So I wasn't looking for a Dr. that would tell me what I wanted to hear. My Bariatric Dr. and all the office people said they never heard of anything so ridiculous. Since then she's been taken off the referral list. And I also know how to control my diabetes I have brought my A1c from 11 to 7.1 I eat the right things, just too much!. I went from drinking sodas to diet sodas to crystal light. My point was getting hit with "never again" for everything I like was alittle too much to swallow! LOL. The never again included strawberries, grapes, apples, cheese not just the unhealthy stuff.

My surgery date is 12/2 with Dr. Perez and Renew Bariatrics in Tj, Mexico! So nervous and excited!!

Yeah chewing my meds in order to swallow them was more than disgusting but had to do what I needed to take them when dissolving them wasn't an option. Look for an app called the bariatric pyramid. It shows you what you should have on hand. Hope this helps Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon's office told me I could only use their bariatric advantage and celebrate mixes. I prefer the brand I can get at sam's club. They are also 45 dollars cheaper than the stuff at the doctor's office. I checked the nutritional information on a tub of both bariatric advantage and premier protein. They are the basically same thing.

I keep getting everyone who has failed with bariatric surgery thrown at me. My reply....well they are a prime example of someone that thought surgery was a fix all and didn't do their part. That's not me*.

extremely lucky I would say. I have been criticized in the past by some bandsters. They had the audacity to suggest I should have thought about the fills before I had surgery. The fact of the matter is, priority is placed on selecting the best doctors in our own opinions. You can research until the cows come home and feel assured you will have a fill doctor/nurse when you have the surgery but what happens when they leave, etc. . The band is for life and in my case, my fill person reneged. Thanks to TLBC and a WLS support group, I found a bariatric surgeon to do my fills and look after me. But my fear is what if he leaves. Then what. Probably it will mean travelling to Toronto for fills and hoping the ER staff know about defills. Still harship aside, I still am thrilled I have the band. My weight is going down and my health is getting better. Doddie

Hi there, I am in the middle of my 14 day liquid preop diet as we speak, (10/20 is my big day) and I have 8 oz ones for the main three and 3 4 oz ones for Snacks. I have to use the Bariatric Advantage ones that I add sugar free torani syrup to so I don't get so bored with them. I can also have a cup of specific veggies with lunch and dinner and thats it. Hope this helps! I would check with your dr office/ nut and see what they say?

I am using Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. There have seminars in many areas. Try the web site- www.pacificbariatric.com for places and times. They are a Bariatric Center of Excellence- a designation for surgery programs that have a strong and consistant record in positive surgery outcomes. They perform surgeries at Scripps-Mercy hospital in San Diego. They are also contracted with different insurance plans, including Kaiser.

I know I have posted many MANY times about my struggles with regain. I have attempted resets and restarts multiple times but fail every time. Today I am ready. I just have had enough. Absolutely enough. I am SICK AND TIRED. I am angry at myself for having lost all of my will power. I did SO great post op and then things changed. My personal life went into chaos-it's like I totally forgot that I'm a bariatric patient. Today I realized that there is NO MAGIC PILL for regain. I've tried it all, but right in this minute I realized that going back to basics and getting my butt into a gym are the key. There is no secret. I promise I won't ever post again asking WHAT to do. I may post asking how to tweak something or for a bit of guidance, but I KNOW WHAT TO DO... so today, today is my day. Today I start back with dense proteins, tracking my water, giving up the pop permanently, cutting all the carbs, treats, snacking, etc. I WILL add shakes too, because I work nights and part of my problem has been eating through the day, then eating all night at work just to stay awake. If i'm going to have to do SOMETHING to stay awake, i'd rather it be a shake than pizza or junk. Please. PLEASE pray for me, cheer me on, drop me a smile or a piece of support. Whatever you have, please help me along. I have little access to a surgeon (I had to leave my original surgeon due to a move, and my new surgeon only wants to talk revision). I attended a new support group and liked them, they only meet once a month. I'm walking in there again in a couple weeks and going to ask for email/phone/text contact info of the members so I can stay in touch with them. Ok. I'm ready. Seriously, truly ready. Here we go. Day 1.

I am you. I had LB surgery Dec 08 and lost 80lbs. since I've gained back 40lb, maybe more now. I can eat OUT OF SIGHT and nothing stops me, i.e., slipped band. This "tool" I paid CASH for wasn't going to be a fix-all - it helped me, but then I lost my support tools, gym, groups, counseling/therapy, etc. I'm now trying to get converted to the sleeve and when I hear stories like yours it just scares the bee-jessus out of me. Just last week I consumed a large cheesesteak - wasn't even hungry. 1/2 the time I eat its because its "noon" or dinner time or my kids/husband are eating. I'm addicted to food and I need to be addicted to exercise and changing my bad habits. I don't even know if I need the LB removed and sleeve done b/c like I said - 1/2 the time I eat I'm not even hungry. If I made healthy choice, no cheesesteak or pizza or pasta...I'd probably be able to loose on my own. Its sad to hear how much mind struggle we have and the bigger question is how do we conquer it? Food is a drug to me...I'm going to see a new bariatric doctor in liue of removing the band and doing the sleeve with insurance this time. I paid 14k for my band in 08 and feel like a complete failure. I understand. what are you doing for support and guidance?

Thanks James. Unfortunately there are no bariatric support groups anywhere near me. I've looked into it and the closest one is over an hour away.

Hey all, I’m just wondering why there is SO much variation from bariatric consultant to consultant when it comes to a pre-op diet. Practices vary massively from very strict, restrictive plans to no requirements whatsoever. Does anyone know what side the research comes out on? Has anyone seen any research on post op experience based on differing pre-op regimes? thanks in advance! NH1

Well folks add my 15 pounds to the ticker! To many who have had astronomical losses that sounds puny, but let me assure you every one of those,16 ounces. was hard to,lose. Folks you have here I 72 year,or person with Basal Metabolism,Rate of a sick 🐌 snail on antidepressant.And still somehow I won this victory. And it was quite an honor,to,make,the total a little higher. HURRAY,FOR TEAM BARIATRIC🎭We Got the Job Done!

IMO, he's wrong. At least until you achieve restriction, you really do need to watch closely. Once you've got restriction, the band will help with portion control---but making good choices is still up to you. It's important to give your body what it needs, and that does not always coincide with our preop conceptions of "eating normal." (If it were normal, we would not have required bariatric surgery.) I second the advice to seek out the counsel of a dietitian/nutritionist VERY experienced with bariatric patients.

i like the Quest bars.... check out their website or u can purchase them from GNC. Also Bariatric Advantage TD41

Hello sleevers! My name is karla im 29 and a mommy of 3 amazing boys i started this journey last year around this time thinking i wanted gastric bypass so started the whole.requirements needed it took me around 5 months to have everything done but the surgeons office was so unprofessional nothing was ever done with my paper work so last december finally im schedule for last appt before "surgery" and submit to insurance the office calls me 2 days before the appt to tell me the surgeon left the group and that i needed to look for another surgeon or switch to another surgeon from the bariatric group they were so insensitive un professional there was no way i was gonna stay there so i found another doctor they have been so nice and and helpful of my situation but to this day im.still waiting always abump.on the road im frustrated ,tired ,depressed and thinking is this meant to be? Should i kepp insisting on doing this? last i heard last week was that finally are submitting to insurance well see i gained all the weight that i.lost a year ago in my nut visits starting to loose again on my own but no motivation any advice? i appreciate your input thanks