Hi all, I need a support group

My name is Patty and I am new here. I am going to be seeing a Dr Eibes in Jan about having WLS. I read these posts everyday and appreciate being able to see what everyone has to say their progress and how good you all feel since having this surgery. I have been wanting this for awhile now and was told at Mercy Capitol in DM that my BMI was too high. I was discouraged, but a friend of mine at work had it done in Aug by Eibes so that's why I am seeing him. My question is does anyone know of a support group in Des Moines Ia that I could go to. I know it will be awhile before I will ever have surgery but would like to start going to support group now. Thanks

Patty, I am not sure where the support groups are but trying to find one before and going to the meetings before is a good thing. You will meet people at all different parts of their journey. We all experience everything differently and at different times. I will be in des moines in nov cuz i will be taking my daughter taking to blanks hospital for testing. let me know if you need to talk.....lynda

Thanks Lynda I hope things will be ok for your daughter and if I am available when you are here that would be nice. When are you guys going to be in DM? We do have some gals at work here that I know that have just had it done. I have attended a seminar on it but just want to get togather with others who have had it done or want to. I need the emotional support the most. Alot of fears involved but the more I read everyone's success;s the more pumped I get. Best wishes on your journey and your daughters testing.

I know there are a couple of them.....For sure there is a Sat morning one over coffee or something......they used to post on here when they were going to have them......I can try to look back a few pages and find the person to contact.....You might wanna email a few post-ops in the DesMoines area and see where their support groups are!!! Best of luck! Jesi

Thanks Jesi that's a great idea. I will check into that. I just didn't know if you had to go to the same surgery center or if there are just support groups out there. Thanks for the help and congrats on your success.

I'd really encourage you to go to the one in Grinnell. All three surgeons (one at a time) will take questions on anything for the 1st hour. You can learn so much from other peoples questions. It is a really supportive group, and well worth the 45 minute drive from Des Moines. You can get more information by going eith to Surgical Associates website, or Grinnell Regional Hospitals site. Best of luck- I had surgery on Grinnell 15 months ago and love thier program! Jeri H.

When is the support group in Grinnell? I was thinking about going to one of theirs, since Dr Coster is who my dr is recommending since he has moved his practice to CA, and I have not heard about any further ft dodge support...never could get to those on Monday nights anyway...but on the website it says you have to have had your surgery done by one of their drs in the grinnell group...is that true? could you email me some info?? thanks! Tracie

Thanks Jeri I will check out the web sites you mention. I see you're from my neck of the woods. Congrats on your progess. I just hope I dont have any underlying problems and will be able to have this done. Best wishes on your continued success.

Hey Patty I did a little digging for you....here is a link to a thread about the saturday morning support group in Des Moines.....I would reccomend writing to Stephanie Howard to get more info about current meetings...Hope this helps!!! http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/IA/postdetail/9551.html?vc=0 Take Care JEsi

Thanks Jesi for the extra effort you put forth to find that for me. I really do appreciate it. Take care