I stopped going, to much drama and gossip for me.

hi!

i'm probably going to go with the program at va hosp ctr and wondering if anyone can tell me about him and his program.  i'm planning on vsg, but any surgery experience would be great.

thanks!

Hello Chrissylyn,

I have Kaiser Permnente. My primary care is in the Woodbridge Center. I was 5'4 and 267lbs and my primary care suggested the surgery to me. I had thought about the surgery before but was always scared of it because I had heard so many horror stories and had seen coworkers that had gotten the surgey and than regained the weight.

Once I told my PCP that yes I wanted the surgery, she walked me through the entire process. I had to see a nutritionist for 6 months and lose 3% of my weight. It was just that simple. Even know she still checks up on me to see how I'm doing with my weight loss.

I'm under the Federal Govt. Employee Kaiser Program, don't know if that makes a difference, but the requirements for the surgery were the following; BMI over 40 or a life threatening or disabling condition related to your weight; which could be diabetes or high blood pressure. 6 month program with nutritionist; which consist of classes that tell you about the surgery and lose 3% of weight within the 6 months with the nutrionist program.

Kaiser has been great through the entire process. I have not had any problem with them at all.

Timeframe;

8/2008 - My PCP suggested the surgery and I accepted. PCP sent in referral
9/2008 - I started my 6 month nutrionist program; consisted on seeing the nutrionist and attending different classes preparing you for the surgery.
2/2009 - I was approved for the surgery
6/2009 - I had my RNY. The reason for the delay from when I was approved and when I actually had surgery was because of the surgeon that I chose. He was Dr. Paul Lin at George Washington Hospital in DC and his schedule is very full. He is excellent and his staff is also wonderful. He has a very good reputation for this surgery. He also has a program that he requires you to do. Which consist of going to severall classes at George Washington Hospital preparing you for the surgery and meeting with his nutrionist and nurse pratictioner.

What I recommend is that you ask you PCP again and if she wont put in the referral for you and help you with the process than find another PCP. If you would like, send me a private message and I will give you the name of mine at the Woodbridge center. She is great.

Best of luck to you and your journey.

Is that because of "Earl"? I have the same doctor as you. He's so cute and he saw me naked, now only if I could see HIM naked :)

Oh ok...I dont really have a medcial reason, just the hanging skin. I do have to have a hernia repaired, but I dont think that qualifies under the same surgery! So if PNH quoted you $5500...how much more is it through a civilian?? I was prob going to go with Hampton Roads Surgery Center...they are great there, I had a friend who had a TT there and her experience was great!! Thanks for sharing!! :)