First time visitor.

My daughter asked me to check out this type of surgery after, I told her once again I was going to try, and get this weight off. Surgery scares me as I've had some bad complications after some of them, but like she pointed out, I'm sure having complications this way that could lead to death too. Please post and give me some ideas where to start. I am on title19, and I have noticed it looks like they do approve some people. I am five foot 5 inches, and I weigh almost 400 lbs. I have diabetes, congestive heart failure, arthritis, and some other health problems. I feel to take away my fear I need knowledge so please take pity on me and be very honest. I live 36 miles from Council Bluffs Iowa so I imagine I'd have the surgery done there. I need to lose this weight! I have a hard time even exercising now. I am not happy at all with myself. I need to do something for myself!

Welcome Betty! Dr. Dwain Rodgers in Council Bluffs takes Title 19. I just looked that up for you on the site "find a surgeon" & I'm sure there are others in the area maybe closer to you. You will find this is the Greatest messageboard everyone here is a great help & wonderful support to each other. I would start with the doc first then go from there. I included a letter when doc's office sent in my papers, the 2nd time around. Feel free to email me & I will let you know what I did. Worked 2nd time around although Marilyn mis-read the 1st letter, misunderstanding was all. Good Luck to you Carolyn

This surgery could very well save your life. No surgery is without risks, but it's a guarantee that if you continue at your current weight, your life will be shortened. I was 5'7" and weighed 380 when I started. I'm down to 266 in almost 9 months, and have never felt better. Before surgery I took medicines for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a couple of other high risk problems I can't remember anymore. I no longer have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I work out at a gym 3-5 days a week with a trainer I call "the Gym Nazi". Before, I could barely walk, and used one of those little carts to shop. Almost everyone on this site has similar stories, and you will get really good advice and support. You can ask ANY question here, and someone will have an answer, or at least an idea. Welcome! Jeri H.

welcome Betty to the board I was on title 19 when I had my surgey done I will be a year out the 17th i've lost 153 pounds if you have any questions feel free to email me anytime keep us posted and good luck to you. take care Laurie

Hi Betty, Welcome to the board I am proof this surgery has risks but it also gives you a second chance at life. I won't bore you with the details you can read my profile; needless to say I had my share of complications but I am here to talk about it... I no longer take 5 pills for blood pressure, (only 1)... no ulcer medicine, I have no blood sugar problems, and I am healthier than ever before. I still have some health issues, but my quality of life is so much better than before. Who knew there was a thin person inside just waiting to see the light of day! Paula RNY Nov 01 300 lbs/129 lbs Size 26/Size 6 Please feel free to share all of your experiences with us! Or email anyone with questions.

Betty, You have come to the right place. People here are wonderful for advice and support. I don't know anything about title 19, but do know that I feel soooooooo much better since having this surgery. I continue to be amazed each day when I see myself in the mirror. On another note, I have to say that this is hard work. Remember that this is a tool that we use while we change habits. I am going to see a psychologist next week to help me change some of those habits and hopefully to help me quit obsessing about food!! LOL I did not have a lot of medical problems pre-op, but I was not able to do everything that I wanted to do. The clincher for me was when my hubby took my 7 year old daughter on her first roller coaster ride last summer at Great America and fat old mom could not go. It just broke my heart. Needless to say, I have more energy to play with my kids now and WILL be fitting into a roller coaster by this summer!! Again, welcome. Keep posting so we can get to know you. Keep researching during your journey because educating yourself about the surgery is invaluable. God bless, Andrea 326/247?/under 200 goal

Hi Betty and welcome to the board. I just had my surgery on Feb. 11, 2004 and have now lost 45 lbs. I am 5ft 8in. and my start weight was 429#. Having this surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family. I have arthritis, hypertension, borderline diabetes, and was always in pain. I have since stopped taking Arthritis meds, have cut back to half the high blood pressure meds, and my blood sugar is back to normal. The best advice I can give you is to go to a support group and talk to people. If you decide to go ahead, do a lot of research on Drs. I can personally recommend the Drs. at Grinnell. They took wonderful care of me and I have had minimal problems afterward. It is a difficult decision to make, but it can be the best, especially if you have other health issues from Obesity. Take care of yourself and my best wishes and a prayer for you. Rachelle