Newbie here -- anyone already had surgery at Mercy in DSM?

Hi -- Been lurking on here for a couple weeks, and thought I'd finally say hello. I'm 39, married, 3.5 yr old son, work full-time, live in WDM. Been overweight since I was 8 yrs old. Gee, don't you think over 30 years of that is enough?!?! I've been thinking about WLS for over a year, but became more serious about it this year. My BMI is in the 40s....co-morbidities include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea -- could also throw in there hypothyroid, anemic, endometriosis, restless leg syndrome, joint aches/pain, etc, etc. I just sent in the initial medical history info to Mercy in Des Moines, and am waiting for the next step. My diet history, as best as I could recreate it, includes over 22 attempts that I recall, starting at age 14! Ins is Wellmark BC/BS. I know Mercy's program is fairly new....I was wondering if there are any post-ops who had surgery there who would be willing to talk to me about their experience, what they're eating, how they're doing, any complications, etc? I have quite a library on this topic....read about a half dozen books! Also cruising web sites, trying to make sure I make the best decision for me. Did the same thing when I went through infertility treatment four years ago -- guess that's my style! Francie

Sorry I can't help you, but we are glad you came out of the "lurkers' closet"! You will get and answer, just give it time for everyone to check in. Welcome, Elizabeth

Welcome, I had surgery at the U of Iowa. But I have heard that Mercy is a wonderul hospital. I hope you can find all your answers. Iam glad you are out of the closest.

Who are the surgeons there...my mom, sis, and Best friens are all nurses here in DSM, I know a lot of the docs....is it Dr. Cahalan? I know him fairly well, and can give you some feedback...e-mail me Deb Paul