Comment on DOD-2008-HA-0057-DRAFT-0004

I think that amending the Tricare regulations would be a very positive thing for many people. I recently, last Monday actually, was banded with a Realize Band. After battling Tricare my husband and I decided to self-pay for the surgery. I met the requirements for being 100lbs overweight but I did not have a co-morbitity, yet at least. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and had begun having severe knee pains. It was also difficult for me to do anything physical. I have tried diets and failed. This was my last resort. So far I've already lost 15 lbs, from my pre-diet and post op recovery. This band has changed my life greatly already and I wish Tricare would have been able to help us out more. I couldn't wait to develop more serious co-morbitities and take chances against my health even more. Excess weight alone is very dangerous and I think it would be great to be able to help people get it off before other conditions come along. It would be great too if there was a way we could get re-embersed if this is passed =) (Just a thought) Thank you very much.