Military dependents out there had surgery at a MTF? More like at Walter Reed?

[MissAC 0]

Hi there! My husband just recently retired from the Navy... So now my life has some kind of stability... So that being said, I finally had the courage to ask my pcm that I was interested in bariatric surgery. I have asked 3 pcms prior to my current pcm at Kimbrough for a referral to General Surgery and with them being Army docs and nurses, they ALL said to diet and exercise, like "they" do. I was afraid to ask AGAIN after failed attempts to go to the gym (you think I would have the courage to go to the gym after the feds eliminated my position in April!) and eating right portions,but my PCM noticed that I gained 50 lbs within a 2 year period and steadily climbing up. Yes, did all the testing, thyroid, diabetes, but I just have PCOS and HBP (being managed by meds) and being fat just runs in my genetics. Overall, per my pcm (though she didn't say fat, lol), I'm "healthy" but fat. Diabetes and thyroid issues run in my family though and she wants to prevent that from happening.

I'm about to call the Bariatric Dept to see what my next steps are... But I was wondering if anyone out there who has gone through any weight loss procedure with Walter Reed/Bethesda? Or any MTF? I have gone through their website but still have many thoughts, questions... Overall, MTF care is way, way different than civillian care and have had nothing but excellent care done with military treatment facilities. Sometimes you hear horror stories about MTF surgeries but I have faith in our military system.

I really, really would like to hear from you if you had the surgery in an MTF or also thinking about it too!

[TatorTot 44]

Hi Miss,

Welcome to BP!! I am an older female veteran and you have to ask your primary physician to set you up with a dietician. She will work with you for some time to see how you do on your own. Some VA facilites have a MOVE program that you have to attend, others have other programs. The dietician is the key to get everything rolling though.

I would be honored to help you with any other questions you may have. IF I know the answer that is

[annamarie89 1]

I know this is old. But im currently going through the Walter Reed bariatric surgery program.

[mlmanney 46]

My husband is also a retiree and I am in the camp Pendelton bariatric program. My PCP(civillian facility) sent a refferal to a civillian dr, and tricare sent me to the nearest MTF. My Dr office didn't know how to handle this but I scheduled and went to the info session. They got me set up after meeting with the surgeon with refferals to the Nutritionist and a check list to be completed for the first phase of the process. I was to have my surgery in August (this month) but have been delayed to September. So one more month. I was upset about this delay but I have to just roll with it and keep working to lose more weight and stay on track for next month! @@annamarie89 where are you in the process?

[annamarie89 1]

I have only gone to the seminar at Walter Reed. I go to my first out of five support group meetings tonight. And just started working with Walter Reed and my DR today to get all my referrals in. What was on your check list? Or things you had to get done prior to surgery?

-I have to have 5 support group meetings signed off.

-At least 3 nutrition appointments with me taking a log of my food and exercise.

-all the blood work and I believe a ultrasound with my DR

- I have to see a psychiatrist once

- and a exercise physiologist once

- one I have to loose a total of 10lbs before theyll schedule me for surgery.

I believe that's it.

I hope to have surgery sometime in November if I get everything completed in time.

[MissAC 0]

Hi there! I was supposed to go to the seminar last month but work got in the way... I am going to the seminar at Walter Reed next week. Did the seminar take the whole day? What time are the support meetings? I live nearby Ft Meade so getting to Walter Reed is just crazy for me let alone going there after work... I guess after the info session I will know more. Let me know what you thought of the seminar?

[annamarie89 1]

The seminar started at 8am and make sure you're not late. I was 10 mins late from driving from Dover, De and they almost didn't let me in and they were a little upset. The seminar took about 4 hrs. But I don't think it usually lasts that long. Something went wrong on the Dr.'s end. I just know we waiting quite awhile for her to come and speak. I believe messed up with scheduling. They'll explain the whole process at the seminar. They'll give you a packet of things you'll need to get done and check off. The things on the check list are..

- labs and ultrasound that needs to be done by your primary care Dr.

- at least 3 nutrition appointments that need to be 4 weeks apart and you have to log your food and exercises the whole time. And you have to loose at least 10 lbs before surgery.

- a sleep study

- psychiatric appointment

- 5 support group meetings

- exercise appointment

And I think that's it. They said the earliest you can have the process done is three months If you keep up with getting everything done.

I just went to my first support group meeting tonight. I may be able to post photos of my check list.