Hello Virginians!

I think Dr Clark is part of the Weight Loss Center of Hampton Roads... which would be cool because I went to the seminar at that office. I'm just nervous about the program fee!

I'm from the Lynbhurg area, so I can't help you with your question.   I just wanted to welcome you to the board.

You may be able to get information about surgens here:
 

American Society of Bariatric Physicians
Phone number: (303) 770-2526
Internet address: http://www.asbp.org/siterun_data/

Thanks for the link! Ill go there and see if there is anyone I can work with!

I'm in northern va, but wanted to say welcome and good luck.  lys

Hello and welcome to the group.. I had Dr. Terricina who is with Dr. Clark at the weight loss surgery center.  My primary care physician is Dr. Weixler in Newport News.  He is wonderful and is definately fo the surgery, no appointment necessary and he is a great no nonsense doc.  Dr. T does the laparoscopic gastric bypass (if thats what your considering) and the lap bands, while dr. Clark does the open procedure.  I highly reckomend them both.  I know the $750 fee is kinda hard to come up with and I dont necessarily agree with it but I figure its well worth the sacrifice for a healthy new life...  I am only 3 months out but I would be happy to  try to answer any questions you might have..

Kellie

Please check out the studies in my profile for WLS and type 2 diabetes. The DS currently has the highest resolution rate for diabetes. To get a DS, you would have to travel outside of the Hampton Roads area, as there are no sure=geons there who perform this surgery. You can also check out www.dsfacts.com for more information.

I have type 2 diabetes, and that was the #1 reason I chose the DS over other WLS procedures.

Hello!  I'm new here, too.  I've got my first appointment with Dr. Mark Fontana later this month.  He is with the Norfolk Surgery Group out of Norfolk General.  They have a $500 "program fee", which is bull if you ask me, but I'll pay it because I feel like I have no choice. 

There aren't very many surgeons doing WLS around here; many of those that used to do it in the '90's have stopped because of their insurance (or so I've been told).  Since I refuse to go to Chesapeake General for personal reasons, and no body does the surgery here in Virginia Beach that I know of, I'm pretty much stuck with Norfolk Surgery Group and their mandatory $500 fee (on top of all the other co-pays and deductables).   I'm suprised you haven't run across them yet.

Norfolk General is considered a "bariatric surgery center of excellence" and Dr. Fontana has all the credentials I could ask for, so I feel confident in recommeding him to you (or anyone else in the group).  Also, since they are out of Norfolk, they should fit what you are looking for to a "tee".

It's funny, I think of Norfolk as inconvienent because I live in Virginia Beach; and you think of Virginia Beach as being too far and you live in Norfolk!  Ha, ha.  (For anyone reading this who is unfamiliar with Tidewater, the two cities are right next to eachother; we're talking a 10-15 minute drive!--at most)

Anywho, good luck!

Hello Susan!

Norfolk Surgery Group? I'll call them up. I looked in the phone book for the South Side and no one there seemed to be specializing in that, so I had went to the Penninsual.  I'll look up Dr. Fontanna today.

Today I visit with a new primary care physican and need to get them on board with the surgery. I wish I knew what more to say then "Hello! Can you help me get gastic bypass?!"

Yes, it is funny that the two cities are next door yet "so far away!"

I basically grew up at the Beach.... but prefer the New Urbanism of Norfolk's Downtown.  Though I love the beach too. Very much!