New to the site

Hi, I am new to this site and patiently (?!) awaiting my turn for eval at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. I would love to hear from anyone who has been through their program. I am hoping to qualify for the LapBand procedure. Have already been to the 4 hour orientation. Also, I have thought long and hard about having surgery, I work in healthcare and hear so many people comment that this path is a "cop out" or the "easy way". Of course most of these people do not have weight problems,so I know they truly don't understand, but working with such a group makes me nervous about "after" the surgery. I don't plan to advertise I had it, but if asked will answer honestly.  My family is very supportive and all for it. Would like to hear from some of you who may have experienced these naysayers and how you dealt with them.

Thanks and everyone have a great day!

Hoping to go from Fluffymom------->  Fitmom!

Hi Just want to say welcome to the VA ObesityHelp Family here.
I had my surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital June 30th The doctors there are great. I don't know much about the Lapband though. But either surgery is not a easy way out. They are a tool to help you lose weight.

Gwen

Thanks for the quick replies!!  how fast did the numbers move for you? What happened when you finally got "the call"?   I know Dr. Chastenet from prior surgery (unrelated to weight loss) and really like him. I was surprised and pleased to see he is in charge of the bariatric program. A question though, how was your dietary and psych eval? I keep hearing horror stories from other places, and just wondered what to expect. I can't tell you guys how encouraging it is to read your posts, even the ones where someone is having trouble. Your all so supportive and encouraging.

Till later,

It took about 7 mounths before they called my # but I have been told they have another doctor  now so it could be sooner for you. When I went to the dietatian and the Psych eval it went really well. You just have to remember they are human too and try not to be nervous, they are there to help you.
You are welcome to read my profile and page and I hope it can help you.
This a great place to research about your upcoming surgery. What also might help is the forum on lapband.

Nice to meet you.

Gwen

Welcome to the VA Board! Hope you take some time to read about us and I wish you the best with your journey. We have to listen to OUR inner selves and what's best for US. I tend not to listen to what others say and find that most of the time they have no clue what they are talking about and funny enough most have legitimate concerns and questions but tend to put down what they DONT understand. Naysayers happen in all facets of life not just WLS. Keep coming here and reading. Trust me this is far from easy.

All best!

Welcome,

I did not have surgery at PNH or the lapband but I wanted to welcome you and commend you on your decision for a healthier life.  We are here to answer any questions we can!

Tammy

I want to say welcome. Have not been to your hospital or had lapband but we are happy to have you here!!! Good luck in your journey!

Thanks, I have read your posts about the trouble you are having, but hang in there, hopefully home health will get you going. I have done that for new moms in the first trimester who hyperemesis. Sometimes just getting the fluids in you really helps!! Hang on, from everything I've read on this site, sometimes the good stuff comes with a little test.  Feel better.

I went to the PNH orientation on February 28th and I got my first call on July 3rd with my first appointment on July 7th. Just a bit over 4 months for me. things at PNH are speeding up rapidly with the addition of Dr. Barker.

At the first appointment the Dr did a quick physical and we did a bunch of talking. It was about an hour and I found it was great to have my husband there with me. He set me up with tests to be done and appointments to be made. Once I completed his checklist for me I could call and request a preop apointment.

My checklist only included the mandatory items as I had no comorbidities. I did the EKG and chest xray the day of my appointment and came back the following day for the bloodwork (I had to fast for 12-14 hours). After 2 days I called to make Psych and Nutrition appointments and they were July 29th and August 4.

They just returned my phone call for the preop appointment and I'm scheudled to see Dr. Barker on Friday to set my Surgery date.

Nutrition was easy since I attend the classes every wednesday and learned lots already. Psych went well. the Dr. is very easy to talk to and if you are truly ready for the changes in your life then you'll do fine....make sure you read and understand your book!!!!

I hope this helps with you expectations of the program there. Everyone is super nice. Do your best to change some things now. I gave up Caffine and sodas...then straws...now sugar...well almost given up sugar...LOL

I've lost 15 lbs. since my orientation which isn't a lot, but it's better then gaining and I exercise often so I feel I'm in better shape then 5 months ago.

Thanks so much for the info, I feel better knowing what to expect. At the orientation they just kind of grouped this all together and didn't specify how long things take. I have read the book a couple of times, but as you know it is primarily for GB procedures. With the exception of the stage 3 and 4 diets, we were told that was all that would apply to LB patients. I had been going to weigh****chers, but after my orientation meeting switched to individual meetings with a dietitian down here where I live. She has been following me since the orientation and I was going to weigh****chers for 10weeks before that. I seem to be doing better with the one on one, but still have only lost about 4 lbs. Am trying to get more exercise, but work is busy right now!!

One thing, how long did they tell you you might be out of work? They only discussed GB, and really didn't touch on the LB (I guess cause its new). I have a sedentary job and am hoping to be able to come back in 4 or 5 days.

Good luck with your next visit!! Let me know how you are doing. Are you going for LB?

Have a great day!