Has anyone gone to Portsmouth Naval Hospital?

Hi everyone!  I am new here.  I am in the beginning process of trying to get gastric bypass.  My insurance company has sent me to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, which I was happy about, and I've already gone to their orientation.  I'm pretty stressed out right now because they basically told us that if we don't go to the weight management classes (either every friday morning or 2 wednesdays a month) then we don't get the surgery.  The days and times don't work for me at all and I'm stressing to figure out how to get there.  Has anyone gone there and if so, what has your experience been like? Thanks!

Good Morning Cindy and welcome to the VA Board!! We are glad to have you. Im sure we have some great people here who will post about your DR as well as the Portsmouth Navel Center, but I wanted to say hello and welcome you to our family and good luck on your journey. Your in for the ride of your life and one of the best choices you could have made. We are here for you no matter the question or problem just come in and give us a shout....

Hi Cindy,  I have been going to the Nurtrion classes at Portsmouth Naval Hospital since September. The class is every Friday  weigh in before than  915 to 1030 the meeting and it  is pretty good.  I have enjoyed going there and I have meet a few new friends. I will be going this Friday just to weigh in. I can't stay for the meeting since I have to go to a funeral for a friend tomorrow. But for the most part I have been there faithfully. My # is 704 so I am awaiting for my call to go see the doctor. I was told another doctor is coming this month but another doctor just got deployed. So hopefully the #'s keep moving right along. It has not moved in 2 weeks so it is due for a  change. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.I will be more than happy to help ya out Welcome to the family. Gwen

Welcome to the board and keep your chin up things will work out. I have not had surgery yet and am doing a 6 month diet with my pcp and then I will start the process and go throught the hoops. It is different with all the different places. Again welcome and if you need answers just ask away I am sure that someone will be able to answer.

Hi had my surgery with Dr. Mann at PNH 8 months ago. At that time there was not a requirement to do nutrition or weight management classes. It was suggested if you wanted it. Unless you needed to document a 6month weight loss attempt if you don't have one with in the past 2 years. Perhaps call Mrs King at 956 2456 to ask. Do you know what Doctor is deployed? The two surgeons I have seen are Dr. Mann and Dr. Catania.

wow jen i didnt recognize you, you are melting away, you look really great!!!!

Thanks Shelly! I love your new avie

Jen, When I went in for my preop last week and was sween by dr mann.  I dont remember the name of the doc but I believe it started with a S.  Must be dr Catania becuase I was not paying to much attention.  I will find out for sure tonight  as I am going to the support meeting. Marion

Oh man I wish they didn't require the weight management classes now!  It's not that I don't want to go, I just am having a hard time trying to figure out how to get there.  It's just so frustrating because I want this surgery so bad!

Jen, I forgot to add that I believe Kevan Mann is the only doctor there right now.  He seems really nice, but I hope some more doctors come back because my # is 804 and it seems like a long way from where they are now!