PNH
You are right...it does sound that way!
Portsmouth Naval Hospital serves the outlying military commuity. Even with three doctors currently on staff, the waiting time can be up to a year before surgery is complete.
The process is to get a referral from the PCM for the orientation meeting ususally done once a month. At this 3-4 hour meetng the docs go over the different surgeries and a booklet is given out for you to learn about their program and numbers are issued. Many people drop out or don't qualify for surgery. When your number is "up" you go in for a one hour consult with the surgeon. If you are qualified for surgery based on this consult a host of testing is done, when completed a surgery date is set.
I waited about nine months from orientation to surgery date. I used the time to change behaviors that would need to change post op. The care that I received was top notch. I receive follow up care with them for 2 years. If any problems arise after that then I would contact the surgical team as well.
Portsmouth Naval Hospital serves the outlying military commuity. Even with three doctors currently on staff, the waiting time can be up to a year before surgery is complete.
The process is to get a referral from the PCM for the orientation meeting ususally done once a month. At this 3-4 hour meetng the docs go over the different surgeries and a booklet is given out for you to learn about their program and numbers are issued. Many people drop out or don't qualify for surgery. When your number is "up" you go in for a one hour consult with the surgeon. If you are qualified for surgery based on this consult a host of testing is done, when completed a surgery date is set.
I waited about nine months from orientation to surgery date. I used the time to change behaviors that would need to change post op. The care that I received was top notch. I receive follow up care with them for 2 years. If any problems arise after that then I would contact the surgical team as well.
Jen
Thanks for explaining, Jen. Looking at it that way, it does make sense. You kind of weed out people who are either not qualified or do not have the dedication right from the beginning (in terms of "I have to get this number and then wait a long time, it's not worth it" etc), and it sounds like the process just gets more and more streamlined from there.
I am a little surprised however that there isn't a website or a phone number that you could call to find out where in line you stand.
Good luck to all those out there waiting for your number to come up! It's worth the wait!
Julie
I am a little surprised however that there isn't a website or a phone number that you could call to find out where in line you stand.
Good luck to all those out there waiting for your number to come up! It's worth the wait!
Julie
Hi Julie,
There is a web site that we can go on and check for the # it is:
http://www-nmcp.med.navy.mil/bariatric/index.asp
they always said that military herds you in and out like cattle....... LOL but after 28 years this is normal for me.
There is a web site that we can go on and check for the # it is:
http://www-nmcp.med.navy.mil/bariatric/index.asp
they always said that military herds you in and out like cattle....... LOL but after 28 years this is normal for me.
Geri G
Hi Sonja,
According to PNH's website they are on # 841... My # is 802 and I had seen the Dr.Barker on July 2nd, On July 23rd i go the nut and then August 4th I go the psych and then I finally get to call and get put on another list,The Pre-op list.
I am just trying to keep busy so time will pass by alittle more quickly. hope this helps you some.
According to PNH's website they are on # 841... My # is 802 and I had seen the Dr.Barker on July 2nd, On July 23rd i go the nut and then August 4th I go the psych and then I finally get to call and get put on another list,The Pre-op list.
I am just trying to keep busy so time will pass by alittle more quickly. hope this helps you some.
Geri G
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