Virginia Beach Referrals

I am looking for referrals to a great team in the Virginia Beach area. I just got my health insurance started at work. It is Anthem and my employer does not have the WLS exclusion. The lady who handles our insurance called Anthem and they said as long as my employer doesn't have the exclusion they will pay. So now I am looking for referrals for a great doctor and team in the area. I am new to Virginia only moving here this summer. Also anyone close to the area who are post op or waiting for their date?

There are many folks on this board from Tidewater. You may not hear from them until after the holiday. This bunch posts more during the week, normally. I am of no help because I am in the mountains and had my surgery in Richmond at MCV. I also have Anthem and they covered every bit of my surgery. All I had to pay for was the nutritionist. MCV and Anthem have some sort of agreement ($$). Good luck on your journey, Lois

Lois I just read thru your profile. Before I seen your reply. Congrats on your accomplishment and very sorry for your loss. I am looking forward to becoming more active here. I have been thinking about the surgery for awhile now. I have spent the last yr on here reading and researching. Iu believe I am finally ready to take the step. The support here is phenomenal. I am in the process of developing my profile and then I will make it public. It is blank right now and is kind of embarrassing after seeing so many that are well put together, lol. Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the encouragement.

One day when I have absolutely nothing to do, I will get the LAST part of the profile up. It doesn't end in August. The new format just wouldn't take any more info than that en masse. You are wlecome, Lois

Hi, Welcome to the VA board. I just had my RNY done on Dec 19th. I am a patient of Dr. Terracina. He is with The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Hampton Roads. His office is in Newport News and he does all his surgeries out of Sentara Careplex in Hampton. Both places are easy to find. I felt Dr. Terracina is worth the drive. Like Lois said you will probibly get more responses after the weekend. I would suggest that you call Anthem and ask what they require of you to get an approval for surgery. Some insurance companies want a 6 or 12 month Dr. surpervised diet. Meaning you have to see you PCP or family Dr for that period of time so he/she can document your weight. I wish you all the best in your journey to WLS. And have a great new year. Corinn

My doc is Dr. Terracina's partner and I love him. Dr. Thomas Clark does a combo surgery. He does the RNY with the silastic ring on the stoma. This prevents the stoma from getting "stretched out". I'm 5 pounds below goal now. They hae a fantastic staff and probally one of the best dieticians I've ever had though she is a bit flakey! She knows her stuff. they have so many successful patients that attend their meetings that they now have 3 support meetings because they ran out of room! That says alot. The only disadvantage is Dr. Clark does open surgery (I only had a 3 1/2 inch scar, no lie!) He's amazing. Excellent bedside manner. Dr. Terracina does Lap/RNY, also a gem of a doctor. They do take Anthem there too. It's worth the drive!

I had my surgery done through Norfolk Surgical Group (they are located in Virginia Beach off of Kempsville and surgery is done in Norfolk General or Chesapeake). My doctor was Snyder. I loved him and most of the team. They have a really great program. I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Christine 253/169/158/134 start/current/surgeon's goal/my goal

I had to quote you because I don't know how else to reply. Thank you everyone for responding. The lady who does our health insurance at work called Anthem for me. The person she spoke with told her I would need to pick a doctor that accepted Anthem and let them file for coverage. I have done 9 mos of medical supervision before moving to VA and have my records. The rep said that should be more than sufficient. I am so unfamiliar with the area I had trouble picking a doctor period. But to make this decision I felt I needed more information than I had when I picked my PCP. You all have been great and the response is amazing. Some key points for picking a surgeon for me is also his team. I want to be successful and the best surgeon without a good team is like a star ball player alone on the court. Also I think referrals are great because these are people who have experienced what you are going to do. So ya'll are my best source for information not advertising. Since I am just starting the process I am sure I will have many more questions. Happy New Year to everyone.

Hi! I too am from va beach...dam neck area. I found Dr. Glen Moore with Tidewater Surgical Specialists with Bon Secours Weight Loss Center. So far him AND his team have been wonderful! Everyone made me feel so good and Dr. Moore himself is so laid back and funny on top of caring about what is best for you! If you need any help or questions about va beach let me know and ill be glad to help in any way i can! good luck! Jorden

I used the same team as Jordan. Dr. Moore & Dr. Spencer are the best. They have an entire team that works very well together. The surgical center is located in Suffolk (http://bonsecourshamptonroads.com/bariatrics/faq_life.html), that is where the nutritionist, the seminars, the monthly support groups, and where your labs would be done. The doctor's office (http://www.tidewatersurgical.com) is located just down the road in Chesapeake. They are very upfront with their expectations and information. I walked away with tons of info and samples. You are required to do key things before having the surgery and you must commit to after care. They want to see you alot after surgery. Some think its too much to ask, I think the stricter your doctor is the better. They know this is a life changing decision and they want you to make sure you're making the right one. Hope that helps and welcome to the Beach! I live near the Oceanfront, Birdneck area. Amber