New to Iowa Forum

Hello all, I had RNY in May of 2004. I went from 250 down to 155. I felt great and was wearing a size 8-10. I was totally happy with the size I was.I had hernia surgery in June 2006 and then had to have neck surgery (discectomy with fusion) in June 2008. Prior to my neck surgery I was on prednisone for a while. Absolutely no excuse for it but I have gained almost 40lb total. 25 of it since I began having neck trouble in January 2008. Between the time that I began neck trouble and til the time I could begin exercising I began to put more weight on. I was unable to continue appointments with my surgeon due to insurance and he was over 2 hours from me. I did finally get appointment with him two months before I knew I had to move and he seemed to think there was no reason for the gain and to just eat right. As much as I know this is the truth I still need some guidence getting me there.I am new to Iowa moving to the Storm Lake area from 18 hrs away due to my husband's job. Of course we have left all family and friends behind. I am getting depressed as well as the weight is quickly coming came back on. I do go to the gym at least 5 x wkly which I did prior to moving also. Before moving I also particapted in jazzercise 3x wkly. I need help!!! Can anyone tell me where the closest Bariatric Surgeon is to Sioux City Iowa or Sioux Falls SD. I need to get back on track and fast. I have kept a journal for two weeks now. Have stayed under 1500 calories and have gotten atleast 60 grams of protein daily. I have lost not even a half of a pound. That is depressing for two weeks of watching diet and exercising. If anyone can help me locate a bariatric clinic within 3 hours to me please let me know. Thanks

  I am so sorry for your stress!! Do you think the stress could be minimizing your weight loss right now? Are you feeling any better then before you restarted the diet 2 weeks ago? Maybe focus on how you feel and stay off the scale for awhile. Just keep moving and it will come along! If you did it before you can do it now and I am more then willing to be a support system for you if you want my help. I do not know physicians up by you but from my research the best one in Iowa is in Cedar Falls, Iowa ( they do not allow us to use names here). Also, you can use this website to find a surgeon near you. I am just starting the process now. Good luck in your journey! 

                             Take Care, 
                                   Angela

Stress could be a big factor I suppose. Thanks for the encouragement!!
Jenn

Hi,
I am in Des Moines and just had RNY a couple weeks ago.  I work with Dr. Smolik at Mercy Hospital.  Further than you would want to travel, but they might know of some affiliate offices nearer to you.  I imagine there will be good surgeons and programs nearby if you research.  Sorry I couldn't be more help.  I agree with other posters.  Go back to basics and stay off the scale. Maybe seek an OE meeting or something in the meantime until you can find a good solid support group with like-minded post ops and nutritional support. If you can afford it, a therapist to help with the emotional baggage most of us carry might help right now.  I know I will be heading to one if my support group isn't sufficient to help me change my thinking and habits. Hang in there, you are worth it. (Add me to a friend list if you like. I'm not an experienced post op like yourself, but having friends from Iowa to chat with and talk about some of this stuff would be great).
Heather

Thanks Heather,
I did find a support group that is 1.5 hours away and I spoke with the receptionist at a clinic and am having my records faxed there to get an appointment set up. I am so excited!! Made going to the gym tonight seem so much brighter. I believe I put on my message that I had RNY in 2006 but that was an error it was May 25, 2004. For 2.5 weeks now I have watched calories and only get weighed on Sundays as well as writing down everything that goes in to my mouth and going to the gym atleast 5 nights a week. My husband and daughter are doing this with me. My husband has lost 10.2lbs and 15 yr old daughter has lost 6.8 and me, 0.4. So, my goal is to continue on and get to clinic for check up and make sure I am on the right path.
Thanks again,
Jenn

 Hi there Jenn, I am from sioux city, there is a surgion in dakota dunes sd.  my surgion is from omaha, i will check tomm to find there number.  I know they have a support group meeting every other tuesday evening at mercy hospital in sioux city. If you ever want to go I would be happy to go with, I need a push to get going back.  

Just PM me when you get this and I will get you some more info.

There is a great bariatric program in Dakota Dunes, SD right next to Sioux City.  My surgeon, Dr. Rizk, is there.  We also have a great support group that meets every first and third Tuesday night at Mercy Hospital.  Tonight we are having a discussion on the best way to cook different cuts of meat so they are healthy, delicious, and "chewable."  They have a nutritionist as well as a counselor and, I think, someone for the exercise.  And they have a non-surgery program as well.

Dr. Rizk did both my RNY and my tummy tuck. 

If you would like their contact information, please let me know.  

Thanks for the reply and I am 1.5 hrs away from Sioux City but I wanted to let you know that Dr Rizk's office jsut received my records from my surgeon in WV on Friday and I received my packet of papers from Dr. Risk's staff yesterday, filled them out and mailed them back in today. My appointment is on Dec. 1. Wow, so he does tummy tucks as well?  I guess I am quite a ways from that since my weight gain. But, it gives a nice motivation to lose.
Thank you for the info on the support group. I would love to come but so far have not been able to work it in with my daughter's activities and being 1.5hrs away.
If you do not mind me asking, how long do you have to be at a certain weight before a tummy tuck can be done? Also, does insurance pay any for this? Oh well, liek I said this will be a while. I have 25lbs to lose.
Thanks again,
Jennifer

I'm glad you've been able to contact Dr. Rizk's office.  They are really good people and have a strong program.

Dr. Rizk only does tummy tucks on his wls patients--not the general public--from what I understand.  I'm trying to think how long I was at my goal weight before the tummy tuck.  I had a breast reduction and arm lift at about 15 months and then had the tummy tuck late that summer, so at maybe around 19 or 20 months?  Insurance did pay for the tummy tuck--his office is good at documenting medical necessity since he has worked with you since the wls. 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Sally

Sally,
Thank you and I am so excited to go to my first appointment. I am very nervous because of my weight gain but excited to get back on track.
My hanging stomach bothers me with itching,rashes,etc... but I have never documented or shared with my family physician because I guess of the embarrassment. She was never for me having the surgery to begin with so, I really never had support of my family physician and since moving I have only been to my new family physician once. So, I guess it may be a while before I can consider it but I had always said if I could get my arms done I would be satisfied but then I notice how uncomfortable my stomach makes me feel especially when riding the bike at the gym is when I notice it the most. I have had so many surgeries on my abdomen area it is kinda scary to think of another one because I hate to lose any muscle that may still be there. I have had 2 Cesereans, Hysterectomy,Gallbladder,RNY and Hernia.
Thanks,
Jenn