Just starting out...

Well my husband and I have made the decision to check things out re: WLS. I'm registered for one of the informationa meetings in CF, but want to look into some other places also. Any words of wisdom or advice?

It is an awesome journey! Are you both considering WLS? There is another couple on the Iowa boards that have both had surgery! You might want to check out their profile......Look them up under Iowa Peers and it is Deb and Jason Paul. I hear Dr. G and them in CF are great! I personally went to UIHC. I know a lot of folks who went through Genesis in Davenport also....you might want to give them a call too.....they have a great before and AFTER care program.....the after care is just as if not more important in my opinion. That is my only beef with the UIHC no support group meetings or nothing.......I drive to and attend Genesis support group when I can.....they are a great bunch of folks! Just look at all your options and you will know when one feels right! Best of luck and you have found a great place for support.....sometimes the Iowa boards are slow, but a great place!!! Take Care and stick around Jesi

Couldn't ask for a better surgeon than Dr. Glas**** He has an excellent program and follow ups and support groups. Hope you choose him. Congrats on your choice to pursue wls! Kim L. -162

Hi Amy! I live right in Marion. I went to Dr Samuel at UIHC at first but I just didn't like him so I went to Dr. Glas**** in CF. Their staff is heaven sent! They are rated very high by my insurance company also. I would highly recommend them. They got an Excellence award about a month ago. It's the closest for you (Except IC). I have surgery on 4/6. The clear liquids really suck beforehand but I know it's worth it - I've already lost 10 pounds. Keep us posted please!!! Hugs, Jen

Thank you all - so much! No, my husband won't be doing it, but he'll be very involved. He wants to be included in everything (and I want him to be!) so that he doesn't help spread any misconceptions, etc. My mother is supportive - which is quite shocking - but we're getting some resistance from his side of the family... mainly from my MIL, who just doesn't believe that I'm "that big". She works in CF though, and knows Dr G, personally, so maybe that will help her out. So... we'll see. We're going to the informational class thing in May - I gave myself a few more weeks as a last attempt to lose some weight. The endocrinologist doesn't seem to think that it's likely without surgical help though. Oh, which reminds me! I haven't checked into UIHC at all, because our insurance won't be covering anyone there after the first of the year, so chances are, I'd have to start all over again... which I'm sure wouldn't be fun. What's the average wait time from just starting out, until surgery? Is there one? Again, thanks SO much!

I went to the seminar on Feb 15th and my surgery is on April 6th. I did have a lot of things already done though for BCBS/Alliance Select, which I think you have because that was another reason that I didn't want to go to the U. Small world, huh? Anyway, I had my sleep study done, gastroscope, psych eval and recommendation from my PCP. I also had to get a chest x-ray, ultrsound on my abdomen and bloodwork done. Also an EKG. Those are all pre-op tests though that can wait until you're approved. Dr. G. is an excellent choice and if you have any questions about him or his staff, there are plenty of people to help out as we've used him...gosh, I am already talking like a loser. Hugs, Jen