Need a Support Group..

Hi All- I live in Grinnell where, as I'm sure most of you know, there is a famous gastric bypass surgeon. I would like to find a support group close by, but I am having duodenal switch, and I don't think that I am "allowed" at the Grinnell support meetings unless I am a gastric bypass patient. Any thoughts? Thanks, Katie Anxiously awaiting approval!!!!

Congratulations on your decision Katie. I wish you all the best! I believe you can still attend the group at the hospital even with that surgery. You should call the hospital and enquiry about it. Take the first step and just go and attend the meeting. It shouldn't matter how you have the surgery done, its about supporting each other in the process. If they can't help you there are meetings in Des Moines. Check out the Des Moines Register. I live in Ames and go to the Support group at the Hospital, its the 3rd Thursday of every month at Mary Greely. There are several people there that have had the procedure done various different ways and not just at that hospital. I suggest just go and attend one meeting at Grinnell, you might just be suprised. Good luck Sabrina

Thanks Sabrina. I will have to check it out. I just don't want to be attacked by all the RNY-ers if you know what I mean. Sometimes the RNY-ers and the DS-ers don't always get along. I personally think that it is up to each person to decide which surgery is best for them, but not everyone feels that way. But I will look into it anyway. If it wasn't such a long drive to Ames from here I might join you!! I have always liked Mary Greely Hospital (they diagnosed my mom's cancer when everyone else told her it was a staph infection). Thanks, Katie Anxiously awaiting approval!!!