New to IA Board....introduction and question

Hi all!  This is my first post to this board and I look forward to connecting with this group!  I live in Swisher (between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City) and had RNY on Jan 13, 2009 in Cedar Falls (Dr. Glas****).  So far so good!  I'm feeling really good this past week expecially (except when I'm nauseated on occassion, which seems to happen almost at random??).  I am divorced, and have three kids ages 6-12.  Question for those in my area -- is there a bariatric support group that meets in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?  I've been told there is one that meets at Mercy Hospital, but it seems to be informal and therefore not published anywhere that I have found.  Any info on this would be appreciated!  Thanks!!  Deb

Hi, I believe that someone answered this question last week... I am not from the area of CR so I did not pay really close attention but let me see if I can find this and do it right LOL (  I am not a computer whiz! :)  BTW congrats on being on the losers bench!!! Welcome!
I too am divorced I  have a 10 year old and a 20 year old. Yes I do know what gray hair is! LOL If you ever want to vent etc. my email is  [email protected]
 

The support group in CR meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at Mercy in CR down off 7th or 10th, which ever road it is!  It's a fun group.  Be warned, they are a WILD bunch of women! It is a peer based group with no set leader, we just talk about what people need.  It reminds me alot of OH, be ready for a lot of honest, brutle comments, nothing is sugar coated there, but I think that's why I like that group! Afterwards, we head out to dinner somewhere.  

I had Dr. G too and my surgery was Jan 19th,, I am thinking about the mercy group too because I am more familiar with CR than Cedar Falls,, I am from Vinton so really the miles arent much different either way,, Does anyone know where at in Mercy the meetings are held? and what time?
Bonnie

Hi Deb,

Just wanted to say Welcome!  I'm hoping to get the approval from the ins company for the lapband soooooooooooooooooooon!  : )

I live by Des Moines, so I'm no help with the meeting info!

Take care,
Kristi

Welcome!!!
The meeting in CR is the 2nd Thursday of the month at Mercy, it's usually advertised in the PennySaver.  The meeting starts at 5:30, goes about 2 hours and then the group goes out for dinner for whomever wants to go.  The one in Iowa City is the 1st Tuesday of the month at the U of I hospital, and it starts at 6, goes about an hour.  The one at the U is more structured and has a primary focus monthly.  The one at Mercy is peer ran, and is a no-holding back zone.  Everyone will be very honest and frank and not beat around the bush.  I think they are both great resources, so I go to both!

Hi Deb,

Welcome to our friendly abode!  :-)

I know there is a support group once a month..............the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7 (I'm pretty sure that's the time) at UIHC in Iowa City.  It's a pretty decent group from what I understand.  I haven't been able to go that last few months but hope to get there in March.  I hope you'll check it out.  Check them all out and find one you like................that's the key!  Someone probably can tell you more than I did about this group so anyone out there that wants to chime in, please do.

I have three kids too and live in Eastern Iowa near Dubuque.  Welcome and post often.  We learn from each other and help each other on here.

Carol

Thank you all for the warm welcome and the great information.  It's nice to "meet" you and I look forward to getting to know you all through this board, and maybe the CR or IC meetings, in the months ahead!  Since I have my kids on Thursday nights, that won't work as well for me, but I may be able to get my ex to swap a day so I can attend.  I prefer CR since it's where I hang out most of the time, but IC is about the same distance.  Tuesdays I don't have kids, but I do have an OA meeting I like to attend.  Busy, busy :-)  Anyway, I really appreciate all the great info on this board!  Deb

Hi Deb,
Welcome, glad to see someone from Dr Glas**** office join in.  I am still waiting for my pysch consult to get scheduled, but as soon as I clear that should be ready to send off to the insurance company.  Have already been assigned a case manager and she appears to be great and helpful, so with any luck I will be on the losers bench in a few months.

Cheryl

Outstanding!  Best of luck getting through the approval process and with your surgery prep.  I know it feels like it is taking sooooo long, but soon you'll be on the other side of surgery and working toward your health and weight goals, and it will be so worth it!  Deb

Hi!,
  I am new to the posting aspect..have been a lurker off and on for a few years. I too am going to Cedar Falls. I have my 1st consult with Dr. Matt on April 3rd. Hope to join you all at some of the meetings after this fall! Good luck, keep up the work.