[beckamarie]

I know I was scared to death that Tricare was not going to approve me for surgery but boy was I wrong. My doctor submitted a referral but I didnt hear anything so 2 weeks later I asked her to submit it again. That was friday she submitted it while I was in her office, and lo and behold I get a call from Tripler and am scheduled for my 1st appointment where I will be weighed and messured and I will meet with the phycologic. I have to attend 4 meetings with them, one a month and then I will meet with the surgeon to schedule my surgery while I am waiting for my surgery I will attend dietician meetings and lose 23 lbs. (per their reques) then hubby and I have to meet together with the phycologist. Also after the surgery he and I will both be attending counseling sessions to help both of us to adapt to my new way of life. This is going much smoother then I expected

[Spikey1341]

Hey congratulations. The finance person at my surgery center figured out my out of pocket with Tricare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. It was less with Tricare but I chose to go with Blue Cross because they are my primary insurance and Tricare won't pay for anything that my primary should cover. I miss the old Champus days. My primary would pay their share and then Champus would cover the remaining or the amount they would have covered which ever was less. Not so since Tricare took over.

Anyway, I'm glad you got approved, even if you have a few more hurdles until surgery. I am still waiting on the approval, but I see the surgeon Friday and hopefully I will get the date then. I want it done now, but I guess patience is a virtue!

[MSmom]

it is so hard when you know the time is so near, when you have finally made the decision to do it and time is standing in the way. I know the feeling. I have been waiting close to a year now. Sheesh, I know some of the problem was my own procrastication but having to jump through some of the stupid hurdles didn't help either. I checked my insurance today hoping that maybe some policies have changed, NOT. Still waiting......

[beckamarie]

MSmom I am so sorry you have had to wait so long. The hurdles are insane.

[MSmom]

yea I just know that it has to be God's will. I am leaving my job after 7 yrs in march, partially to prepare for my surgery but partially to help take care of my mom. So I just have to beleive it was put on hold for a reason. I will keep everyone updated. It is a wild ride...... I am so happy for you though, I wish it was that easy for everyone but, it is not and in the end we will both be happy and healthy!!!!

[DocSanae]

Becka, good going congrats!!
Just think of all the hurdles and waiting that you have to go through as the time given you to learn all you need to learn about the surgery, and prepare you for the life that comes after.
The better prepared you are, the better armed you'll be.
(((((((HUGS)))))))

[bren]

Its funny that in each region Tricare wants you to do different things to qualify. I was scared to death waiitng for them to approve mine I just wanted to kiss the rep when she told me I was approved!!!