I've never posted here before, but I live in Southern Forrest County -Carnes Community and just had my RNY on October 6th. I also have Tricare. Dr. Alfred Johnson in Picayune is recently center of excellence certified and accepts Tricare. My first meeting with him, I had a surgery date, and it was within 2 weeks at my choosing. I was referred out from Keesler since Dr. Dolan left.  Before I was at Keesler, Tricare referred me over to Mobile, but I really wanted something closer, and never went. I had already met with the Nutrition clinic and had my psych evaluation, when I met with Dr. Johnson. If you are well informed, confident and knowledgable, and have all the paperwork, chances are you will be on the schedule soon. He is out this coming week though.

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. I'm a lurker here, but would love to help. 

Goodluck,

Brandi

Whew, I'm beat. We got home from the ballgame last night and our dog was barking more than usual. Insane kind of barking. My hubby went out, came back in and said to get the flashlight, that he saw eyes out near a big tree in our yard. Well, we venture out there only to discover we have been adopted by 5 baby kitties (about 3 -  4 weeks old). I have been syringe feeding them every 2 -3 hours because they can't eat yet (Their back teeth are just begining to break through the skin).  My good friend from work came today and got 2 of them for her daughter. The dog thinks since he found them that they are his...lol. He wants to see them everytime I feed them.  He has given them a bath twice...yuck! We can't leave them loose however, he HATES for them to get in his dog house. Another one has been promised out. His new family is suppose to come pick him up tomorrow, leaving us with two. Boy, it's hard being adopted by kitties!!

I know some one out there has to be at the Keesler program.  I have a few of questions.

1.  How busy is that clinic since Dr. Dolan left?  How much are they referring out patients?
2. Does anyone know anything about Dr. Weinstein in Mobile?  (I am going to post a message on their board as well)
3.  If you were referred out what information do you need to take to your first appt.  (Keesler has my entire med history).  Do I need to go get ALL my records from them or can I just take the 3 pages of typed history and research I have done myself.
4.  How long from first meeting until you have had a surgery date?  I am trying to plan things, but am geting discouraged because things seem to take forever in the TriCare system.
5.  Are there ANY options off-base that are local that take TriCare?

Thank you for any information you can provide.

WTG you are doing great!!!!!

Jay that is AWESOME news!! And 54 pounds lost is nothing to complain about. But I'm sure your doctor knows exactly what he is doing with your medicine. Maybe he'll cut it back and eventually wean you off of it again.
It's nice to hear great things from you.
Tammy