*Hello everyone! Newbie gal here from Spencer!*

Hi, my name is Denise. I am 38, have 4 kids (2 liv w/ me now), am divorced (have a b/f), 5'6", 275#'s and have a preliminary appointment with Dr. Fred Harris in Sioux Falls, SD next Wednesday to discuss having an RNY and already know it will have to be *open*. That really makes me nervous! I will at the same time, be having a partial hysterectomy due to Servere Pelvic Endometriosis that I have suffered from for 11 yrs now, but was told up until one yr ago that it was re-occuring ovarian cysts that were causing all my pain that I have for a good 3 weeks out of a month, and because of the pain, have not been able to stick with an exercise program. I am thinking that I would rather have the Lap Band procedure done, as the thought of the doc re-routing my insides scares me to death! I don't even know if my insurance will cover it. I am still on my ex-hubby's BCBS insurance thru WalMart, and I have Iowa Medicaid as my secondary...I know that the Medicaid will cover it, but since I have BCBS as the primary..am nervous it won't cover it. My GYN that is going to do the hysterectomy said that since I have to be opened up for it, that having WLS may be covered also. Well, hope to meet alot of ppl here, I will be moving down by DesMoines in a few months to be near my boyfriend. oh P.S. I know that if I get WLS, that I will need a tummy tuck and a breast lift...as my breast have suffered immensley from so much weight gain and 4 pregnancies...anyone else have a tummy tuck and/or breast lift? Would love to hear from anyone that can share their journeys with me. I am on Yahoo as [email protected] if anyone would be willing to chat on there or email me there? Thanks all! *Denise* Spencer, IA

Hello welcome to the board im 34 from clinton I had asurgey done last April I have lost 150 pounds I dont regret it at all I feel so much better my yahoo screen name is sweettalker52732 drop me a message . If you have any questions feel free to ask me take care Laurie

Hi Laurie! Thank you for the Welcome! I will add you to my Yahoo Messenger under my baybiecaykes ID, I happened to send you an email last night..did you by chance get that yet? WOWZA! Congrats on your 150 # loss!!! That is so cool! How has it been for you eating wise with the holidays and all? Talk to ya soon! (((((((HUGZ))))))) *Denise* Spencer, IA

Welcome Denise! Things tend to be a little slow these days- sorry to be tardy in welcoming you to this board! I had an RNY open on July 9, 2003. I've lost 100 pounds- give or take, depending on the day! As far as the "rewiring", I know what you mean. It's hard to think that you might not be "normal" after surgery. I had a lap band 20 years ago- but got around it with Pepsi and Snickers. The RNY took care of that little problem. Guess I'm one who has to learn the hard way! This is the place to ask questions- be patient. With nice weather on the way, folks are anxious to be outside, and may be slow to respond! Welcome! Jeri H.

Welcome, Denise! You have come to a wonderful place. Like Jeri said, however, it has been rather slow here lately. Sorry that I did not welcome you sooner either. I have been dealing with a sick baby (19 months) all week. That and caring for other 2 kids and hubby and working full time keeps me busy. I had open RNY 12-8-03 and still am not sure that I would recommend it to anyone. It is absolutely the hardest diet that I have ever been on!! However, I am committed to making this work and making changes in me and my family. Good luck on your consult. Keep researching until then and keep us posted! Welcome and God bless, Andrea

Hi Denise, and welcome to the Iowa site. I had laparscopic RNY on 2-9-04 at Mercy Hospital in Co. Bluffs. I have been lucky and have not had any problems at all since surgery. I am eating normal foods but just not as much and that was the sole purpose of having this surgery. It takes a lot of getting used to but when my stomach gets full, it is full and I am not going to pu**** just to eat calories that I don't need. You have to have the right frame of mind before surgery. Most doctors have you on a pre-op diet and I strongly suggest following it because that is how you will be eating after surgery, without the hunger pangs. It was difficult for my head to know what my new stomach was doing and that was the hardest part. Do your research and ask many questions. Good luck to you on your decision.