new here

Hi everyone, My hubby is Navy so I have Tricare and I am waiting for my first consult with Dr. Chastenet at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. I have been doing weigh****chers for my 6 month documented weight loss attempt. I lost 4 lbs and gained it all back I have now started walking in the pool at the rec center--its easier on the knees. Thanks for listening! Jen

Jen- Welcome to the VA board! Some of us have been where you are with the pre-op weight loss/regain. You will find support and care here, so keep posting. Christina S

Jen Welcome to the board. And to OH. Good luck with getting your surgery. Stephanie *lost 180 lbs in 9 mos out*

Hello Jennifer, My husband is Navy too - currently out on a 6 month deployment (boo-hiss-whine) and Im counting the days, heck, HOURS till he's back home where he belongs. I'm 4 years into my weight loss journey and will FOREVER be grateful that I made myself a priority in life and had this surgery. Welcome to the VaBoard - you'll find lots of help, guidance, reassurance and friends here! Good luck to you and congratulations on your decision to take your life and health back. Lei

Welcome aboard Jen, i'm Missy and an AF wife and we have tricare prime, I have my first consult tomorrow morning with Dr. Mann and then from there i'll have more of a time frame of when my surgery will be. When is your appt? Welcome to the board!!! Missy

Welcome! Lois

Hi Jennifer... I'm Joy. My husband is Navy, too. I'm waiting for my consult, too. Are you the Jennifer that goes to the Nutrition Classes at Ports. every Fri? Welcome...we're the the same boat right now, waiting on the same stuff... I'm anxious! See you tonight at the GBP Support Grp. meeting?

Nope not the same one but I think I will try that in addition to WW. I'm anxious too..in a good way. Now that I have made the decision to take my life back, improve my health, I can't wait to go the next step. Not sure I will make tonight's meeting. My 16 yr old son is uncharistically sad and won't open up. I know it's not drugs but I am worried. Jen

Hey Jennifer... I hope your son is feeling better. I have a daughter who is 16 and goes to Kempsville HS. This is certainly an emotional school year for some reason. Issues! I just wanted to share with you a little about the GBP Support Group meeting last Thurs. It was the best one I've been to yet. It was Chaplain Miller from PNH. His wife went through the surgery and he brought a slide show of her before/after. He was able to share what he went thru as a husband and how they coped together. They have 2 children and he shared how their family unit dealt with everything. He didn't hold anything back, which is what I appreciated alot. He was a very supportive spouse, that's for sure. He also mentioned that the Pastoral Care offers a Couples retreat, which I think he said was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth. They have a family-type thing at Little Creek Chapel and then a personal retreat type thing up in the Yorktown area. It was a very helpful and informative evening. Joan has an interesting schedules for the new year. There will be a Fashion show, recipe exchange, clothing exchange, cooking....lots of good things! I hope you get to attend next month. I also attend the Nutrition Class at PNH, which is held every Friday morning from 9-1030. The topic was Eating Out. Suggestions on how to order when you eat out. Asking how they prepare their food. Asking them to put dressings/sauces on the side...there were comparisons of calories and grams of fat in soups, burgers, breakfasts, lunches, dinners. This showed you what things on a menu might be the best to order. Oh - and to eat before you leave, so you're full before you even get to the restaurant...lol! Informative, as well. Just thought I'd share! Hope you're having a good weekend. Joy

I'll be at the GBP Support Grp meeting tonight myself!!! Last month was my first meeting..