New To This Iowa Sight!

Hi! My name is Pam, and I am from Sheldon, Iowa. I am having my first doctors visit on Thursday May 27, 2004 in Cherokee, Iowa with Dr. Shinnerl. I to am hoping to have the gastric bypass surgrey done as well. This sight is so awesome, and as I keep searching it more, and more I keep finding new things. Like now this one, finding that their are locals in Iowa that have, or are in the processing of having the surgrey like myself. It's so great to know that their is a place to come to whether it be to chat, release pressure, and frustration, or to laugh. I always tell people unless you have been over weight yourself you have no idea what life is really like for us. It's not, well for me anyways, a chosen thing I wanted. I have always been overweight ever since I was a child. I am a 36 year old mom of 2 boys 5, and 7 and not only for myself do I want this more then life, but for them also. I want to be here to see them grow. Well as I pursue on my journey I know this will be the one sight I will be turning to for lots of support, and comfort. To all of you good luck in your journeys, and to the loosing side I hope to be riding that ride with you all very soon. I will keep you all posted on my progress. May the angels above guide you all with love, and watch over you as you travel the road to happiness!

Hi Pam, and welcome!!! You have come to the right place. The people on the Iowa boards, in particular, are so supportive! This journey is definitely not the easy way out, but one that is effective if you work at it and follow your surgeon's orders. I am also 36 and a mother of 3, a 17 year old son (who just let his friend give him a mohawk AHHHHHHHHHHH), a 7 year old daughter and a 22 month old son. Not sure that I am done yet with having kids, either. I have always been overweight also, even as a toddler. I think that is one of the reasons that I have to work every day to make good choices for myself and not to engage in the bad eating behaviors (such as grazing for me). Well, welcome again. Keep reading and educating yourself about this surgery while you continue in the process. And keep posting so we can get to know you better. Good luck on your journey. God bless, Andrea

Thank you so much for the kind words, and the warm welcome. Nothing like a warm welcome to make me feel at ease. Also sounds like you to have a busy life as well. Nothing like the kids keeping us busy. I always say life would not be anything without them, and to have them is something special. Once again thanks for the welcome, and yes I will keep posting as much as I can. Just sent in a picture of myself, not the best, but hope they get it posted for me. Talk to you soon. God bless, and take care!

Hi Pam! Welcome welcome welcome. You are going to love Dr. Shinnerl, there are several of us that he has performed surgery on Sherry (receptionist), Kathy & Jo his nurses are fantastic as well. Dr. spent 2 hours with me my first visit! He's willing to spend time with you & answer ANY questions you have. Once you have insurance approval you'll have your surgery soon after. Keep us updated! My surgery was April 20th. Hugs...Carolyn

WOW!! Carolyn that is so awesome being able to talk to someone else that has had the same doctor. I can tell already that I am in going to be in good hands. Hey, I like to talk so if my session lasts as long that will be great, I do have alot to talk to him aboutand questions to ask so I am excited to see him. Only 2 days, and I will be their for my visit, cross your fingers that all goes well. God bless you, and also thank you for the warm welcome. If I have any questions I hope I can turn to you as well. Thanks again, and God Bless!

Welcome to this site. I haven't been on it for very long, just had my surgery Feb 2, 2004. The people here are very supportive and inclusionary. They are always willing to help with questions too. I look forward to reading your posts. Ask as many questions as you have and good luck with this next part of your journey. God Bless, Eileen

Hey Eileen. Thank you for the welcome. And I want to wish you lots of luck as well as you are on your way to the loosing side. God Bless you as well! Pam

Eileen~ I am a 25 yo from Clinton, Iowa. I have just begun my research in Bariatric treatment. I am wondering if you will tell me where you had your surgery and who your Dr. was.

Hi Mary: Melinda McFarlin is my surgeon. I highly recommend her. She is very good and works through the Trinity Bariatric Center in Moline. The surgery was done at Trinity Main Campus in Rock Island. They are extremely experienced. Her medical studies are with University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She is very personable, takes time to answer all of your questions and I trust her beyond measure. There are 3 other surgeons in her practice that are all highly skilled at Bariatric work also. Their practice has been doing this Surgery for something like 30 years. If you have any other questions feel free to email me and I'll send you my number so we can talk on the phone. Good luck with your search. There are a number of really good surgeons in this area so keep asking others also. God Bless, Eileen

Hiya Pam....Welcome!!! I too had Dr. Shinnerl and absolutely LOVE him!!! Like Carolyn said his office staff and nurses are AWESOME as well! I wish you all the luck..keep us posted OK! IF you would like to talk and/or need support we are here for ya!!! Have a great day, Janet Schmidt