It's Been Such A Long Time.....But I Am Back As I really Could Use Some Support.....

Hello everyone. Wow I almost feel guilty comming here because it has been so long since I have been in this site. I could really use some support, and hope that there are people out there that can be there for me. First off I want to say that my name is Pam, and I am from Northwest, Iowa. 1 year ago I was fortunate to get hooked up with a Dr by the name of Dr. Shinnerl from Cherokee, Iowa. I couldn't ask for a better, more caring individual, as well as his staff was to. I felt like I had been going to him all my life. I really got attached to him, and his staff. I went through the whole program, saw 2 phsyciatrists (sp), went through a 4 week so to speak mental program, and had many visits with the Dr. himself. Well my surgery had been post-poned 3 times, and for 3 different reasons, and now this 3rd time it got cancelled. I was scheduled to have my surgery this past Tuesday April 5th, but got a phone call last week, from the Dr. himself, that he was going to be leaving in June, and that he would not be here to do my surgery, well he did not feel right doing my surgery, and then not being here for the follow up visits afterwords. WOW what a blow this has been to me. He did get a hold of a Dr. White out of Omaha that has accepted my case, but my information was just faxed in this past Monday the 4th of April. So I have not had a chance to visit with him yet, but do know that he has accepted me. Well I am having a hard time with this as I feel as if I am starting all over. I will not, and refuse to give up, but yet in my heart feel "How can I really get to know this new Dr. instead of jumping in right away, and having the surgrey done?" I look back, and think WOW it took me a year to really get to know Dr. Shinnerl. I am I guess also looking, and asking for anyone who has had this Dr. White for a surgeon, and for anyone who can give me any information on him. You know, kind of like prepare me for what to expect. I am not really looking forward to having my surgrey 3-4 hours away from home now, nor am I looking forward to having it done in a big hospital, but I have gone this far, I know I need the surgrey done, but I am so scared of starting over, and to beable to feel comfortable to put my life in a new Dr.s hands. I want to thank everyone in advance for listening to my story, and sorry if I burdend anyone on the way. Hope everyone else is doing good, and on the road to a new life! Soon someday soon, I hope to join you all on that journey! God bless you all, and as my favorate motto goes: Live Your Life For Today As Tomorrow May Never Come!

Hi Pam, I am fairly new to this board but I have been "snooping around" enough to know that the people here are very warm and caring. They all feel your pain so to speak and will probably give you a lot of great advice. My two cents is: Have you looked at going to Mercy Capitol in DSM? Their program is amazing - it's VERY thorough though so you'll have to hop through some hoops. I started looking into it for myself this past January and I got my approval letter today. I did everything they told me to and went in with the attitude that they wont approve me for something I don't need and if I dont get approved, they they know best and I will try to lose again on my own. I learned I had more health issues than I thought and I am happy I finally got approved. Im sorry to hear the Dr. who you got very close to has left, but at least he didn't do the surgery then just leave you hanging! I chose Dr. Cahalan. He's very nice and extremely capable. There are three Dr.s there to choose from. The Center will explain their different personalities to you. Call the Mercy Capitol Weight Loss Center. They have been so wonderful! Best of luck to you Pam. Keep the faith!

Oh, Pam, you really have jumped through all the hoops & you still have more. I don't know how you have managed it. My surgery was postponed one time & I thought it was the end of the world! I can't recall anyone here on this board having the surgeon you mentioned. You might want to go to the Nebraska board & ask there. Who knows? He may be the best in the state & the program great. Check it out before you look into other places because if Dr Shinner recommends him, there must be a reason. Then, if you are still hesitant and don't want to go so far away, maybe check into the Sioux City/ Sioux Falls areas. I also would hate to have to go so far for the surgery & you would be pretty far away if you had problems & probably wouldn't be able to go to support group meetings. Believe me, they are important! Good luck & be sure to let us know what happens. Dixie

Wow~you have had quite a journey! But as you stated....you have come this far, don't quit now! I agree with Dixie, ask about the surgeon on the nebraska boards.....or even go to the nebraska boards and see his reviews. I wouldn't worry about the drive.....3-4 hour trips will be well worth it! I did travel for my surgery two.....2 hours each way. I know it doesn't sound very comforting.....but when it is all over and you are loosing weight and becoming so much more healthy....all this crap you had to go trough won't seem so bad! My surgeon left the practice when I was post-op......I never really got to know/like his partner, I think it is very important to know and like the surgeon who will be doing your aftercare. If your current surgeon knows and reccomends this guy...I think that is great! Keep us updated....as I hope it all works out!!! Take Care Jesi

Hiya Pam...Hang in there! I was Dr. Shinnerls first Lap GB and Dr. White assisted with my surgery, I never got to meet him but I know that he came highly reccomended by Dr. S and Dr. Luft. We are here for you if you need us. Hugs, Janet

Hi Pam, I am sorry about your situation. It there any possibility that your current doctor could do your surgery and then refer you to the other doctor for followup visits? A friend of mine had her surgery here and then had to relocate and she was referred to another doctor for the post op visits. If that is not an option I will tell you that I only saw my surgeon two times prior to my surgery, but it worked out fine. On my first visit I was very comfortable with him . I also had an advantage in that I knew two people from work who had been his patieits so I was able to get some first-hand input from people I knew. I would at least go meet with him and see how you feel at that point. The most important thing is to be sure that he has a good track record, has considerable experience, etc. and as some of the others said, see if you can find his info on the Nebraska board. If so, I would post to see what former patients of his have to say about him. I wish you the very best and will be praying for you.