New member saying hi

Hi all,
New to this.  I am in the process of jumping through hoops for surgery.  From Des Moines, IA.  Anyone near the area that worked with Mercy Weight Reduction Center?

Heather

I have just begun.....will attend the introductory seminar this Friday the 10th at Des Moines Bariatric (Methodist)  It's where my doctor referred me.  I'm anxious to get started!  I will choose the lap band which will take longer, but I'm determined and know that losing slowly is better than not at all.  I'm someone who wants it all and wants it now, so I've had to make myself accept that it will be a much slower choice.
Reading so many stories helps me realize that regardless of my surgical choice, the process is pretty much the same and we all look toward the same outcome!

I'll post after Friday's seminar.  I expect delays (due to insurance), and hope that insurance is the only obstacle that I will encounter along the way.  Let the hoop jumping begin!

I haven't decided which surgery I want yet. I really enjoy sweets, so I am now leaning towards the bypass to make it harder to cheat the system. Not thrilled about the recovery time, but I'd rather have a few months of misery in the begining to have a better quality of life for many more years to come!

 I know what you're saying.  After talking to my husband and kids, we all decided that for me, lapband is the way to go.      Sounds like gastric would be your best choice.  I may find out something different on Friday that will change my mind.  My daughter is going with me to hear what they have to say, so she can be one of my personal cheerleaders!   She's very lucky - has always been slim.  Didn't get MY genes!

That is great that your whole family is in on the decision with you!

 I attended the introductory seminar yesterday and the support group meeting today.  Both were great!  I  waivered somewhat toward RNY during the seminar, but by the time it was overwith, I knew the lapband is for me.  I live 2 hours from Des Moines, so I won't be able to attend the support groups every month, but I will try to attend as often as I can.  I feel that this is something everyone should do.  I spoke to my surgeon-to-be too and am looking forward to my consultation with her on 7/20.  I will call my insurance company again on Monday as a follow-up and will schedule my 2nd weigh in with my regular physician next week.  The hoop jumping begins today! I'm geared up and ready!

Hi Heather,

Welcome to OH and the Iowa forum.  We are so supportive here and I'm glad that you checked in. 

I am kind of new............had RNY on Feb. 13, 2009 at University of Iowa Hospitals.  Dr. Jamal and his team did my surgery and it was textbook perfect!  I was in the hospital from Wednesday (day of surgery****il Friday morning (13th).  I had no pain before or after my surgery.  I had laproscopic surgery and have six tiny incision scars on my abdomen to show for the surgery.  If it weren't for those, I'd never know I've had surgery.  I was tired on the first three days post op and after that, I've had energy that won't quit.  I had no problems eating or drinking after the surgery and my body has tolerated all the foods I've eaten so far, exept for cauliflower.  Just doesn't seem to sit well in my pouch so I haven't eaten it since the first time I tried it when I was about two months post op.  I chose RNY because I needed the edge that the possibility of dumping provides me because I like sweets and fatty foods way too much.  I idd not think that the band would work for me and I didn't want to have it fail and then have to do RNY anyway.  Does that make sense?

Anyway, welcome aboard and ask any questions you might have.  Someone on here will try to answer them.

Carol

Hi Heather,

I had RNY with the Mercy Center in May 2008 with great results.  I haven't been on OH for quite a while, so my avatar/profile is way out of date.  I've lost right at 100 lbs.   I got on today to start getting some info on plastic surgery and just thought I'd stop by the Iowa board for a sec.  Dr Smolik did my surgery, and I could not have been happier with him or his staff.  They are the best!  Good luck to you during your journey.  It will be well worth jumping through the hoops!...Natalie

Heather -

I had RNY with Mercy   August 2008.      They've been great staff to work with.      Send me a note if you have any questions I can answer for you.

Jody