Interesting W.H.O. WLS story...

Did anyone who lives in Central Iowa see the Channel 13 story on WLS at Methodist last night. It wasn't a very good story, my husband and I felt bad after we watched it. First of all they interviwed Dr. Herwig, who is our children's ear, nose and throat surgeon (they both have tubes). Now he must be on the board at Methodist or something...why would they interview someone that has no experience with WLS. Anyway, he said more people are signing up to have this surgery because of people like Al Roecker (not true...my husband does not even know who Al R. is). He also said the hospital is wasting money on this surgery and it's taking a toll on staff members (ie lifting, pre-op testing etc) So because WLS is "wasting hospital resources", they are going to "cut back" on the amount of surgeries done. They also said it is a very dangerous surgery and a lot of people die. Then the anchors went on bashing WLS patients by saying a lot of people do it for "cosmetic reasons" and that they should try other WL methods. Then the anchor man went on saying that people who are close to the weight requirement, but not there, will "bulk-up" before they see their doctor, so they can get approved. With that comment the female (thin) anchor woman grimaced and said "Yuk". Well, needless to say there are about 100 things I would love to say to them...and we all know what those things are. I did not have my surgery in DSM, but I do not want Methodist to reduce the amount of surgeries, I would love for some of my friends to have this sugery, and I would love them to increase the amount of surgeries done in DSM. Well, they'll get a piece of my mind on Monday, when they open their mail! We need postive coverage on this surgery, not more shame! Speaking of TV coverage what do you all think about Dr. Phil's Weight Loss Challenge. I for one would not want Dr. Phil to do my psych eval Hope you're all doing well...just wanted to keep us all abreast of the WLS media coverage in Iowa. Deb Paul

Mercy in Des Moines now has a program called "Mercy Center for Weight Reduction". I am having surgery on October 20th with Dr. Smolik and Dr. Beck. They have been extremely accomidating. So if Methodist cuts back Mercy has a good program as well. I get so angry with people and newscasters that pass judgement without walking in that person's shoes. That TV anchor has probably never had a weight issue in her life and has no idea the discrimination that follows being obese. And about it being dangerous...people die from open heart and neuro surgeries everyday...is Methodist going to stop doing those. I don't think so.

well lets all send emails and tell our stories and see what happens. people dont need to feel bad for having it done. i am proud i am going to have it done and i will stand up for it. and sorry i dont know who that al guy is either. lynda

Would you all be interested in writing to WHO if i got the email and or snail mail address? I think they need to hear OUR stories and know that they were not reporting UNBIASED news. Ya never know..they might even report a GOOD story about WLS after we get through with em! ~Dawn

Hey Dawn, I would be very interested in an address or email. I am 3wks post op done at Mercy in Council Bluffs, and I'm still trying to find out who to talk to here about the descrimation I encountered in the hospital. There is no way you should have to defend yourself when coming out of surgery!! Sue

Personally, I think Dr. Phil NEEDS a psych eval! There seems to be a lot of folks on TV talking about something they obviously know nothing about! Channel 8 had a blurb on about WLS and it was tastefully done. No wonder WHO has been struggling in the Number 2 position for so long! Jeri H.

Mailing Address: WHO TV 1801 Grand Ave DesMoines, IA 50309 E-Mail: [email protected] website: whotv.com

Deb and Paul, thanks for the address. Hope you two are doing well. Sue

I never did care for WHO news, but I think they should have done more research on the story . I think all of us shoul dsend them emails to get rid of the anchor that did the story or maybe should give us equal time. Thanks for letting us know my cable systems doesn't offer Who anymore just WOI. A proud loser in NW IA Sheila Mc

i think dr. phil is a phoney. how can you tell anyone what their problems are after 5 minutes. thx mary jo