I'm a newbie!!

Hi all!! My name is Chris. I'm 35 and am going to be having RYN after the first of the year. Most likely it will be the end of Jan or beginning of Feb. I have to be at my job for a year before I can take advantage of FMLA. I have a question: I'm wondering if there are any support groups in my area and if not how can I go about starting one? I live in Gilman (between Grinnell and Marshalltown) and am having my surgery done in Iowa City. Any help would be great!!! Thanks! Chris 8-)

Hi Chris, I live in Newton and had my surgery in Grinnell. I do know that they have a support group that meets monthly on a Saturday morning. If you are interested try calling Grinnell Regional Medical Center and find out if you can attend. If you have questions about anything email me. We are friendly folk around here. Or heck, maybe we can get together for coffee or something sometime. Good luck with everything. Hawkeye Mike

Hi Chris - I am a newbie too, and anticipate having Open RNY with Dr. Coster in Grinnell Jan or Feb. I had my first consultation this past Thursday. Anyway, they have a support group that from what I hear is exceptional and they recommend pre-op too, BUT the drawback is that it meets Wednesdays from 1-2:30pm in Grinnell. Stephanie, the Physician's Assistant with Dr. Coster actually wrote me a medically necessary note that I needed to attend these so I can get out of work. I live in West Des Moines, so it's an hour + drive for me to get there. But, the support group is so well received that it usually lasts longer and people can't wait until the next session the following week. I am doing these pre-op to get the best support I can and build that support circle pre-op. I dont' have the paper with me, but I'd be happy to share it. Oh, and it's $50 for 8 weeks. Thanks! Jill

Jill- Stefanie wants me to attend those wednesday meetings too, but it is about 100 miles each way to Grinnell from here. Tell me more about the meetings! Judi

I'm an old newbie! I have lurked around these pages for a couple of years now and am finally making some headway. I have met with Dr. Sundberg in Grinnell, have done the EKG and chest x-ray, had blood work done, met with Stephanie and everything has been submitted to insurance. It's a waiting game now. Stephanie told me to get started on prenatal vitamins and protein and if I can get an answer from insurance I can attend a training class on Thursday, the 14th. I'm hoping to have surgery before the end of the year. I am looking forward to a lighter 2007 and hope to meet many new friends along the way. Linda