Looking for DR in Tidewater Area....

:help: I would like some help in finding a surgeon in Virginia Beach & Chesapeake area. I'm just begining the process and also would like to know if anyone out there has Optima Health POS & what they require for approval? jbsdarlin

Hi Michele! Welcome to the group! I used Dr Snyder with Norfolk Surgical Group and I love him! You have to attend one of those info sessions first. You can sign up online on the Sentara Website. Sorry I have Aetna so I really can't tell you about Optima but I do know that most insurance companies require a 6 month medically supervised diet so that is something that you can get started on now. Good luck and let us know if you need any other help! Christine 253/153/158/134 start/current/surgeon's goal/my goal

HI There, I love Dr. Wohlgemuth from Norfolk Surgical Group! He is very knowledgable, has a great personality, and is a very skilled surgeon. You can't go wrong with any of the surgeon's in Norfolk Surgical Group. Good Luck, Robin

Welcome to the board. I would call your insurance carrier and ask. Most Optima plans require you have the obesity rider and it's up to your employer to carry that option. Good luck! Sheila

HI. I always have to put a plug in for Dr. Moore and Dr. Spencer of Tidewater Surgical Group. They work with Bon Secours Weightloss Surgery Center and they really saved my life. The group works great together and they cover all the bases. They are located in Chesapeake & Suffolk. They have seminars as well. I have Optima Health HMO. I also work for the City and they have a Gastric Bypass Rider, if you're company has one of those than as long as you have a BMI of 40+ or 35+ and comorbiditys, you should be fine. If not, you may have to work a bit harder but its worth every ounce of energy I have now. I'd start with checking to see about the rider and going to a support group/seminar. You need to find out if this is really what you want and you are willing to make a life long committment to. Welcome to the board! Amber

Thanks for your response. They do carry the rider, I'm about 60lbs overweight & my BMI is borderline. I do have other problems they include: Reflux, High cholesterol/triglycerides, hiatal hernia, thyroid, anxiety, joint pain & bipolar. And just did blood and enzymes in liver came back abnormal so I had to do more blood & an ultrasound. Waiting on resulits. The Norfolk Surgical group charge a $500 fee before you even see the dr. It is nonrefundable, I did attend a semiar and when I called the other day. The person on the phone ask my height & weight (nothing more) and said your insurance wouldn't cover it. So I was trying to find another dr. that would see me first and then get approval from my insurance. The Chesapeake Group what hospitals do they do their surgery at? Has anyone heard of Dr. Yancy or Dr Beryl Brown? Michele

Forgot I also have sleep apnea & do sleep w/a CPAP machine (which I can't seem to find a mask that fits me.) Michele

I LOVE DR SPENCER AND HIS GROUP! WONDERFUL http://www.tidewatersurgical.com/index.shtml IS THE WEB SITE

I used Dr. Yancey and he is out of Chesapeake. He is a great dr very caring and has a great bedside manor. I was very pleased with his work. I also used him as my general surgeon. I am not sure about the ins company but call them and ask. Good luck Michele

Michele, Hi, I met with 3 different surgeons personally and a few others during seminars. There are 3 primary groups that I know of in Hampton Roads who have the center of excellence rating by the American Bariatric Society (or something like that): Norfolk Surgical Group, Tidewater Surgical Group, and the Weight loss Surgery Center (Newport News.) I loved Dr. Terracina at the Weight loss srg center in Newport news and went with this group because this what he does every day and I felt like he would be the best surgeon for me. He is personable, caring, and a detail oriented/meticulous surgeon. Bariatric surgery is it...he doesn't dabble in other surgery...this is his passion. His nurse and his staff are extremely professional and easy to work with....they have been terrific. I highly recommend him and his group. I met with Dr. Wohlgemuth with Norfolk Surgical. He was also very experienced, nice guy, recommended by my cardiologist but I would have had to redo most of my preop classes and all the consults with their recommended folks, psychologist/nutrition/exercise classes, etc...and wait 6 more months. I have heard nothing but good things about him and his group. I met with Dr. Moore at Tidewater Surgical. I absolutely loved him and his nurse... and had the best rapport with him. I met Dr. Spencer of Tidewater Surgical at one of their lectures...he seemed down to earth and very knowledgable too. I have also heard great things about Dr. Moore and how he is terrific with his patient care and I believe it. BUT, when it came down to my decision, I went with Dr. Terracina who had done the most lap RNY in the area and I felt like would handle my cardiac issues the best. Bottom line, pick a group with Center of Excellence behind them. Then meet with the physician who does the type of surgery you think you would like. Compare and get ready for a huge life change! Good Luck, Dianne C