military wives from hampton roads

[miissxangela 0]

Hey... I'm Angie..husband is in the Navy. I'm trying to get banded at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, but the wait is 6mos long... anyone else have problems there/solutions?

[HarleyNana 10]

Dr. Terracina in Newport News was my doctor, I was self-pay, he may take Cobra.

[Beth20fan 0]

I had a referral to Portsmouth, but I was told the waiting list to actually get the surgery was several years long. So, I called around and asked around and was finally led to NN WLSC. I called them and I was told that if I was not referred to them, that the only way to get any coverage was to go TriCare Standard. Now, with Standard, there is a deductible to meet and some out-of-pocket expenses. For me, this is a life and death situation. I would rather pay some out-of-pocket, than possibly dying before I get the surgery with Portsmouth. I go for my first seminar at the NN WLSC on the 13th and I am very excited to get this ball rolling!

[tharris48 0]

I just got banded last week at Portsmouth Naval Hospital after waiting 11 months. They did an awesome job and was worth the wait. I would start the referral process through your PCM and see how long it takes to get scheduled for the PNH seminar. It is truly a blessing and worth all the effort pre-op. I have heard great things about WLSC as well so you have two options to consider.

[erinshel 0]

I am another Navy wife up in Newport NEws. I actually went to a Civi doctor. I went through the weight loss surgery center of Hampton Roads. My dr. was Dr. Clark. I have been very happy with my results so far and everyone working in that center. The total time from start to finish was about 3 months

[keamreeves 0]

Erinshel, How long did it take you to get answer from Tricare? I am waiting on my psych eval to be sent to WLS and I am trying to be banded at the end of May.

[erinshel 0]

i heard back within 6 days and my surgery was scheduled for 10 days later

[keamreeves 0]

Oh okay that is a pretty good time frame. I hope I am able to get banded at the end of May if they can get my psych eval done in a timely manner. Thanks for the information. How much weight have you lost since being banded and do you have any tips or advice you can give me???

[sshavert 0]

Hi I just went to my PNM seminar yesterday. Can you tell me anything about how the process went for you.

[sshavert 0]

I am new to this site. I just went to my seminar at Portsmouth Naval Hospital yesterday and I am looking for others who are getting started on there journey here in Hampton Roads. And I would really love any feed back from others that have already had the lapband. :biggrin:

[Navy Wife 0]

I am new to this site. I have scheduled my appointment for Feb. 9th to see my PCP and hopefully get some answers. I am 140 pounds overweight, but I do not have major medical conditions because of the weight. I am not sure if that will disqualify me for the Lap-Band. I sure hope not! I have struggled with my weight for 18 years & I am ready to LIVE! Anyways..Anyone with Tricare Prime going through this or already gone through it..I am wondering what the process is? I REALLY do not want to have the surgery preformed at Portsmouth or any other Military Facility. But is that a requirement to have it done or can you be referred to a civi? Sorry for all the questions..I am just very anxious & cannot wait for my appointment!!

[wisconsin jen 0]

I am new to this site. I have scheduled my appointment for Feb. 9th to see my PCP and hopefully get some answers. I am 140 pounds overweight, but I do not have major medical conditions because of the weight. I am not sure if that will disqualify me for the Lap-Band®. I sure hope not! I have struggled with my weight for 18 years & I am ready to LIVE! Anyways..Anyone with Tricare Prime going through this or already gone through it..I am wondering what the process is? I REALLY do not want to have the surgery preformed at Portsmouth or any other Military Facility. But is that a requirement to have it done or can you be referred to a civi? Sorry for all the questions..I am just very anxious & cannot wait for my appointment!!

Hi There..

I am retired military... 20 years, female... after retiring with lupus and athritis.. the weight was one battle I couldn't fight...

Tricare Standard paid... total out of pocket this year $3000.

I told the kids, if they want to get sick, this is the year:thumbup:

It is more time consuming.. if you meet the criteria, you get approved....100 pounds "ideal" weight and a comorbidity....

For me.. my "ideal" weight was last seen in 4th grade... so I am going to be OK with losing only 60... the whole kit and kaboodle will be a bonus...

The only thing Tricare wanted was a negative H-pylori, heart eval and lung eval, and TSH test for thyroid.....

It went well... I was banded last Tuesday.... so, 2 Sep 09 for the seminar to 26 Jan 10 for surgery....

BTW... lost four pounds since Tuesday with no hunger.... it is already worth it....

Jennifer

[Kimmers2011 0]

Did anyone require a 6 month supervised diet with tricare prime?

[Carrieoline79 0]

Hey... I'm Angie..husband is in the Navy. I'm trying to get banded at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, but the wait is 6mos long... anyone else have problems there/solutions?

I had refferal and did in NN only like 2 week wait