WLS Center in Newport News

Today I placed my 6th, yes 6th call to them trying to get someone to call me back.  I have left messages every single time that I have called.  I wasnt planning on calling again, but after my trip to a surgeon in Norfolk on Friday, I decided that it was worth another shot, plus I hear nothing but good words about WLSC.  Do you have any advice on how to actually talk to someone there?
I am looking into the possibility of a revision, so I dont need to attend the seminar, I just want to talk to someone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm very frustrated, can ya tell???

My personal thoughts on this are that if you are having this much trouble just trying to get someone on the phone pre revision surgery...what must it be like post op and what if you had a real problem that you needed to speak with someone about?  It your health in the long run worth it?  I have had no dealings with this center or group personally...I am basing my opinions on what you have been posting.  I would never put myself in that position.  I am my own health advocate.

I totally agree.  I'm a little confused though as each time I have asked about this center, people are shocked that I have not got a call back.  They say they never have that problem.  Maybe it's Gods way of putting me on hold for a while or forever...KWIM?

I am one of their patients and have never had any problems with getting them to respond or anything.  So, I'm not sure what advice to offer you as I've not had any issues.

When you leave a message, are you talking to someone or leaving it on a machine???

Edited to add:  Have you tried calling the Office Manager?  If you call and push button #4 (I think that's it) it will take you to her.  #3 will take you to their Nurse.

Can I ask a question?  How come you are looking into a revision?

Good Luck!

I havent kept track of who I have left messages with. Today I also contacted them via the website "contact".  I am leaving messages on machines, as a real live person has not answered.   I will try again , using the info you gave me...funny thing is I will probably get call backs from every one in one day! LOL, prolly not since the calls have been spaced out.  Trying to stay positive.
Revision...I have never really maintained a healthy weight.  I had my surgery, about 11 months later I moved out of state, and never really thought about it till the weight really got high, then I started researching what issues could cause this, as my diet has not changed much at all over the last few years, but the weight keeps adding up.

That's great - I'm so happy that you finally got through.  They are a great bunch and both doc's are fantastic.

Good luck!  I know it can be frustrating to have to deal with stuff like that.  But, you will see....both docs are great - extremely caring.

I noticed in your bio that you lost your weight, had babies (beautiful family, by the way) and delt with life.  And while your diet did not change much, did you continue to follow the "pouch rules" and maintain your exercise? 

I ask, because a friend of mine is currently seeking a revision.  He only lost 50 pounds on his initial surgery and has really piled on the weight to a very dangerous level.  He eats very little, but was not aware of the rules, and I wonder if that was partly the cause of the weight gain.  He rarely exercises, and I wonder if it's because his weight is really making it difficult for him to do that.  And now, he is having to go through so much to get a revision - but, he's hanging in there.

I wish you the best of luck!  And let me know if you need any more help.

Prior to WLS I had 3 kids and was married, after WLS, divorced, moved, remarried and had a baby (of course this was over many years, LOL).  I lost allot of weight, but never really maintained that WL, I would say for only about 10 months give or take, was I a steady weight.  Then I started gaining and it hasnt stopped.  "Pouch Rules"...thats a toughy, I really was never given any rules, I mean, I was on pureed foods for a couple weeks after surgery, but other than that, I dont recall a set of rules.  The no drinking with meals, never heard of that till I came to OH seeking help with weight gain.  I never really was an exerciser.  I used to walk daily, but over the last two years or so havent been able to walk long distance due to my back issues...I'm sure that has contributed to the weight gain too.  I know if I can get some of the weight off, my back pain will ease up.  When I was not as heavy, my back never hurt.  Ok, so that's my story...well some of it. 

I am so glad that you didn't take what I asked as offensive.  Some would be "touchy" by it, but it just ticks me off that they didn't tell you the "pouch rules":

1.  Stop drinking fluids 30 - 60 minutes prior to your meal.
2.  No drinking fluids for 1 hour after your meal.
3.  Protein*protein*protein.  Protein first.  Get a minimum of 80 grams of protein per day.
4.  No refined sugar, or white stuff (potatoes, rice, pasta, etc).
5.  Exercise
6.  Eat until satisfied, not "full".
7.  Eat lean protein
8.  Limit fats
9.  No grazing - eat 3 meals and 2 snacks per day
10.  Chew slowly - enjoy your food.

And A few of my own:

11.  No standing while eating.  No eating in the car or in front of the tv (I know - these are hard, but they do work).
12.  Identify WHY you are eating.  Ask yourself, Do I need this?  If it's dinner, then yes...you do need it.  If it's your 5th snack for the day, well...WHY do you need it?
13.  Ask yourself - is there a healthier alternative to what I am looking for?  Sometimes that pudding cup really IS the best.  But, be aware.
14.  Of course - shop the outside of the store.  Only "go in" for good complex carbs, like quinoa, brown rice, etc.
15.  Drink 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.  I know, seems like a lot (and it is), but it's really good for the body and skin.
16.  Weight and measure EVERYTHING.  We "think" we know what 3 pounces looks like, but really have no clue.  Even after doing this for 3 years, I cannot eyeball a serving.
17.  Watch "slider" foods.  Yogurt, and anything that is really soft.  They won't stay int he pouch long.  I avoid plain yogurt for a meal.  i will pair with with fruit and granola to give it substance.

I suspect that if you had had the support and the rules you would have done fine.  You might have gained, but have known how to deal with it.

Now, the question is, will they do the revision and will insurance pay for it?

Can you keep me posted on this (even if it's off-line).  I'm not trying to be nosey, but, like I said, my friend is going through this right now and it would help me in helping him.

Thanks!

I will so keep you and anyone else that wants to read my posts posted.  This is my support system, this is my way of "talking" about stuff.  I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but with my daughters health issues, I dont get out of the house much at all.  I have to keep her away from other kids due to germs and all of my close friends have kids her same age...so we are major home bodies unless it involves the Dr office or the Chemo clinic.
By the way, all of your typed out rules are going into my WLS file...oh to think how it would have turned out had I know all of those years ago...oh well, live today and hope for tomorrow, right?

OMG! #4 worked! She actually answered the phone! It threw me for a second or two!  Thanks so much for the info.  WOO-HOO...made my day! LOL
She told me several times that she was sorry for all the calls not being answered, she said they had just upgraded the phone sysytem there.  It's behind me and I'm over it, I feel better now that I spoke to someone.  She gave me her personal extension in case it happens again.