Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Is anyone a military spouse?

amjcal

Recommended Posts

amjcal    5

amjcal
Posted

I am in the process of getting approved for the lap band... I am super excitedrolleyes.gif and its the only thing on mind, but I am a little concerned about moving around... If there are are any Military spouses did you have a hard time finding a doctor who would do your fills? My surgeon said the surgery is more common in Europe and it wouldn't be a problem over there in the in the event we get stationed overseas.. But even if we are on state side, I don't want it to be an issue finding someone to do the fills.. I have my psyc evaluation on Thursday, already got the okay from PCP and surgeon, and am looking to have my surgery in the middle of June when my family and friends have left from visiting. I would appreciate any advice...

Thanks

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Birinak    19

Birinak
Posted

I am in the process of getting approved for the lap band... I am super excitedrolleyes.gif and its the only thing on mind, but I am a little concerned about moving around... If there are are any Military spouses did you have a hard time finding a doctor who would do your fills? My surgeon said the surgery is more common in Europe and it wouldn't be a problem over there in the in the event we get stationed overseas.. But even if we are on state side, I don't want it to be an issue finding someone to do the fills.. I have my psyc evaluation on Thursday, already got the okay from PCP and surgeon, and am looking to have my surgery in the middle of June when my family and friends have left from visiting. I would appreciate any advice...

Thanks

There are quite a few military spouses on here. I'm sure they'll be able to advise you. Good luck.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Meekie    5

Meekie
Posted

I am in the process of getting approved for the lap band... I am super excitedrolleyes.gif and its the only thing on mind, but I am a little concerned about moving around... If there are are any Military spouses did you have a hard time finding a doctor who would do your fills? My surgeon said the surgery is more common in Europe and it wouldn't be a problem over there in the in the event we get stationed overseas.. But even if we are on state side, I don't want it to be an issue finding someone to do the fills.. I have my psyc evaluation on Thursday, already got the okay from PCP and surgeon, and am looking to have my surgery in the middle of June when my family and friends have left from visiting. I would appreciate any advice...

Thanks

I'm a military spouse (though, now retired) and I live in Europe. I've had no problems finding a doctor here. I live near Frankfurt, Germany where I had my surgery. I've only seen the same doctor's staff that did my surgery which was 3 years ago. I still see him now as a retiree. Most military dependents come to Frankfurt from various places in Germany. However, some have had surgery in Mannheim, Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern and I'm sure other places I've not heard about. But, while I'm in the waiting room, I ask the Americans where they are from and I've gotten various responses from all around Germany. So, if you are here in Europe, you probably won't have a hard time finding a doctor. I'll have to let some of the other spouse reply to the Stateside options as I've never been Stateside or lived Stateside with my band. Can't wait to go home so my family can see the new me!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

MSan914    3

MSan914
Posted

I am a military spouse -- but my DH is Army National Guard now - so he stay home.

The last 8 years has been alot of deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia and now Afghanistan

But I wouldn't think that you COULDN'T find a doctor - this procedure is more and more common

and more surgeons are getting trained.

I am two years out from surgery and now only see my surgeon about every 4-6 months - unless I have a concern.

GOOD LUCK!!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

amjcal    5

amjcal
Posted

I am a military spouse -- but my DH is Army National Guard now - so he stay home.

The last 8 years has been alot of deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia and now Afghanistan

But I wouldn't think that you COULDN'T find a doctor - this procedure is more and more common

and more surgeons are getting trained.

I am two years out from surgery and now only see my surgeon about every 4-6 months - unless I have a concern.

GOOD LUCK!!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Navywif99    0

Navywif99
Posted

I have had the same concern. We are Navy and will be leaving our current location for another in Dec. My concern is...Ive read on this site that a lot of surgeons don't or won't fill patients that were banded by another Dr. so then what? We are staying state side and will be moving to a not so populated area away from a base so what do I do? This is why I was considering the gastric sleeve because there isnt maintenance like the band has but Tricare won't pay for it unless there is a base near you that does it from what I understand. Not sure I really want surgery on a military base. Lots of bad press on that....

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jenn79co    13

jenn79co
Posted

I have had the same concern. We are Navy and will be leaving our current location for another in Dec. My concern is...Ive read on this site that a lot of surgeons don't or won't fill patients that were banded by another Dr. so then what? We are staying state side and will be moving to a not so populated area away from a base so what do I do? This is why I was considering the gastric sleeve because there isnt maintenance like the band has but Tricare won't pay for it unless there is a base near you that does it from what I understand. Not sure I really want surgery on a military base. Lots of bad press on that....

Navy wife here, my understanding is Doc's don't like to operate on bands done by other docs. I don't think you would have a problem finding a new Doc for fills.

Also there are way more good stories at military clinics, hospitals, ect but the "bad" ones make for "good" stories in the news.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

amjcal    5

amjcal
Posted

I have had the same concern. We are Navy and will be leaving our current location for another in Dec. My concern is...Ive read on this site that a lot of surgeons don't or won't fill patients that were banded by another Dr. so then what? We are staying state side and will be moving to a not so populated area away from a base so what do I do? This is why I was considering the gastric sleeve because there isnt maintenance like the band has but Tricare won't pay for it unless there is a base near you that does it from what I understand. Not sure I really want surgery on a military base. Lots of bad press on that....

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

amjcal    5

amjcal
Posted

From what I have heard the gastric sleeve is a lot more risky.... Not only that if you want more kids you will not be able to get enough nutrition as needed according to my surgeon. He said if we wanted to have more kids with the lap band than they would just take all the Fluid out of the band. Maybe just maybe if there was a procedure that needed to be done maybe the military would pay for the traveling expenses. I know they will for active duty, not sure for spouses. smile.gif If there are complications, then the lapband can be removed, the sleeve is perm, food for thought ... What did they say your requirements were for Tricare? They told me all I need was a pysc evaluation which is today ( I am nervous), and if I pass that then they can operate the end of May beginning of June. I really think it depends where you are stationed at on the medical care. When we were in Hawaii we had excellent care, in TX there were never any appointments and always going to an urgent care. I wish you the best of luck and hope we can chat more!!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Navywif99    0

Navywif99
Posted

From what I have heard the gastric sleeve is a lot more risky.... Not only that if you want more kids you will not be able to get enough nutrition as needed according to my surgeon. He said if we wanted to have more kids with the lap band than they would just take all the Fluid out of the band. Maybe just maybe if there was a procedure that needed to be done maybe the military would pay for the traveling expenses. I know they will for active duty, not sure for spouses. smile.gif If there are complications, then the lapband can be removed, the sleeve is perm, food for thought ... What did they say your requirements were for Tricare? They told me all I need was a pysc evaluation which is today ( I am nervous), and if I pass that then they can operate the end of May beginning of June. I really think it depends where you are stationed at on the medical care. When we were in Hawaii we had excellent care, in TX there were never any appointments and always going to an urgent care. I wish you the best of luck and hope we can chat more!!

My thought on the sleeve was that it would simplify things meaning with all the moving I wouldn't have to find fill Dr's all over the country or world but that is ok I will do what I have to do as all military spouses do on a regular basis. We were in Jacksonville for awhile and I refused to go to the hospital there. It was just one bad experience after another plus all the press didn't help so I pretty much swore off military hospitals.

I found out today Tricare wants a psych eval and they said to get a letter of necessity from my pcp however I have to think the letter might be a requirement from surgery clinic to have as part of my submission packet to Tricare when they try to get approval. That was it I was very surprised how simple this process has been. Calling to get appointment for the refferal an letter tomarrow. Hope your psych eval went well.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×