First time post

Good morning! I have been a "lurker" for some time (didn't ever think I would have to admit to being one) but now that the time is close for my brother to have his surgery and for me to begin my process towards surgery, I thought it was time I take the plunge and post a message. Jim will be having his surgery in Des Moines on Aug. 12th with Dr. Beck. I have submitted my paperwork and attended the seminar for Dr. Glas**** in Cedar Falls. It certainly is a waiting game, just waiting for some initial response from his office. Any advice on this waiting from those whom have had Dr. Glas**** do their surgery or are in the process? I have been overweight all my life always looking for the miracle diet. Weighing in at 130 pounds in the 3rd grade. I have done Weigh****chers several times, starting as a teenager when my mom was doing it. Yes always losing weight but gaining it back plus more pounds. I am looking at this surgery as a tool to getting my life back. It's funny but as I type those words, tears come to eyes, just thinking what this surgery means to me. I am very much looking forward to it.

I wish you all the best of luck. WLS has given me back all that I had lost, in life, esteem, energy, health, etc...it's been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I am 8 1/2 mos. post-op, just now at goal with losing 105 pounds. I have Dr. Coster of Grinnell, IA for my surgeon and of course think he's awesome. Just wanted to say "hello & welcome" and wishing you the world! Carol in Washington, IA

welcome to the board this site has helped me so much i had surgey back in april and lost over 70 pounds so far good luck to your new journy and stay in touch.

Welcome to the board! This surgery has changed my life for the better. I would do it again tomorrow. Diets never worked for me, so I gave up even trying them. I comletely understand those tears, too... I was the same way. Sometimes when I think about how much my life has changed I have tears in my eyes, too. The surgery is a tool, and a total lifestyle change. Good luck with everything and make sure you post any questions or concerns that you might have. Again, welcome to the board! ~Julie

Gail, Welcome! I had surgery at the BTC in Beleivdere in May, but I do know someone who had surgery with Dr. Glas**** in Cedar Falls. He does his surgeries laproscopically. One thing I do know is that he will require you to be on clear liquid for 2 weeks prior to surgery. This is a minor price to pay. Good luck to you and your brother in your journey!

Hi Gail, I to am waiting for Dr. Glas**** to even tell me if they sent in all the paperwork. Let me tell you, it is a hell of a long process especially the waiting. I went to his seminar Dec. 15 2002 and just got my first consult with him June 27 of this year. I am not very happy with this whole thing, I will not be convinced that they don't have 5 min. to return a phone call. I call at least 2 times a week with no response. I hope you have better luck than I am. But i must say, he sure is easy on the eyes to look at and has a great sense of humor. I to have been heavy most of my life and tried probably every diet that came down the pike, Oh, I would lose 5lbs. and gain 8 back, been like that forever. I know this surgery will be the one tool that will save my life but is also very scary, I can't remember myself thin, will I look good, will most of my medical problems go away. It's the what if that scares me ya know, but I do know I can't keep on like this, my body won't take much more. Ok, enough yappin', welcome, everyone here is fabulous.