New here

Hi everyone. I've been thinking of having surgery for the past couple of years, most seriously the past one year and decided to take the plunge. I went to the informational meeting at Mercy Capital in Des Moines and filled out my questionaire, contacted my insurance company to see if they covered the surgery (they do!!) and contacted my personal dr. for him to send a letter of recommendation to the surgeons to be included for the insurance company. My doctor said he wouldn't recommend me because he believes bariatric surgery is too radical of procedure for something you can eventually do on your own. I'm bummed and looking for a new doctor I have my phone interview on Feb 16th and looking foward to that. I'm hoping that not having my doctors blessing won't hurt my chances. Glad I found this message board and hope to be talking alot with everyone over the next few years Phil

Welcome Phil!! I'm also in the pre-op stages with Mercy Capitol. I ran into the same problem with my PCP. She tried to tell me I would be spending the rest of life eating baby food. I had been warned by the insurance gal at Mercy Capitol that my PCP at that time would be very unsupportive and she was definately right! I found a new PCP who hasn't said one negative word and I have started the process. I've done my cardiac eval and psych eval was Friday. I'm just waiting now for the reports to get to Mercy Cap and then they can submit for insurance approval. I'm pretty sure I'll be approved, but I still keep my fingers crossed!

Hi Phil, I am a post op Nov 15th I had a LAP RNY with Dr. Smolik I have no complaints (only the nurses at Mercy Capitiol were not the greatest) I had 2 nurses I liked the whole time I was there. I love Dr. Beck she is so nice. Dr. Smolik is very nice too. If you have any questions at all please ask. I lost 70 pounds today! I couldn't be happier. I have my 3 month appointment on feb 15th I am 3 1/2 hours away. Good luck! Angel

If you are looking for a new PCP who is WLS friendly, maybe Tim Evert at Mercy South would work for you. I go to him and I mentioned him to someone else who was having PCP problems.

That was me!!

Hi Phil!!! Good luck with everything! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I went to the Mercy Capital informational meeting on Saturday and am looking forward to the future. I'm hoping my insurance approves me. Good luck and keep us posted!! Janine

First of all WELCOME !!! Second if your not happy with your Doc find another 1!!!This is the most awesome journey I have every had!!! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if I had to!! I cant believe I didnt do it years ago!!!!Good Luck to you!!! Keep us posted ok!!! Lori getting Healthy!!!

I want to join the welcome band. Put on your seat belt this is a real roller coaster ride. I would do it again in a min. Yes there are some that have problems eatting. I don't like the taste of food anymore. If that is a problem. But the good outweighs the bad in my case. And that is the only one I can talk for. Everyone has a different outcome. No two bodies are alike so your PCP shouldn't group us all together. I can eat anything, I just don't like the taste of much. I lost a total of 160 lbs in less than a year, and have maintained that weight now for several mos. You will do great, just follow what your surgeon tells you. That is the most important advise I can give you. Each Dr. has a diffrent set of rules, and their reason for them. It is important to follow what they say. Wishing you well and welcome again. Hope to hear from you soon. Cindy G.

Hello My PCP was a butt too, I took matters into my own hands! You gotta do what you gotta do! Does your insurance require a PCP referral?? It is a long/awesome/bumpy/scary/crazy ride but worth it all Wishing you the best and hope to see ya around here more jesi

Welcome Phil Find yourself a different doc! And be sure to keep us posted on your progress. You will find this is a great support group. Carolyn