Congrats on your surgery and your weight loss so far - sounds like you're doing great!

I am just lurking around today. I am pre op and live in Minnesota. However I lived in Charles City and Ames Iowa a few years back. I loved Iowa. My oldest daughter and her family live around Ames. I come down there quite aften. Just wanted to say HELLO!! Best Wishes to all, connie d

I am here in the des moines area and I so far have been going through the mercy center for weight reduction for the bariatric program. They seem to have a good program but everyone I work with here at BCBS thats had it done said they have gone to Dr. Eibes. Other than seeing Velda's story and her struggle I would like to know if anyone else has had their surgery done at the Mercy center for weight reduction and I would like to know if their experience was good and how it went. I am torn because I am thinking of possibly changing to the Methodist program because I have heard more good things about Dr. Eibes and I haven't really heard anything about Dr. Smolik or cahalan other than Velda's story. And to be honest it kind of scares me. So if anyone has had their procedure done by Dr. Smolik or Cahalan or know someone who has please let me know. I'd love to hear about it.

Hi all! I just found this forum today. I didn't even know there was an Iowa forum. I've been posting a little bit on the main Roux-n-y forum but it's nice to know there's a local one out there! Just a little about myself - Dr. Eibes did my surgery on 1/8/07. I've lost 63 pounds so far (according to my home scale) I see him again on May 10th. I feel great! It took some time to work out some issues but I think I'm now on the right track.

Iowa Health-Des Moines Bariatric Support Group Schedule 2007 Our support group is open to all. We meet from 10-12 at 1211 Vine Street Building 2000 in West Des Moines. To get to the support group, take the 8th Street exit off of I-235. Go south on 8th street to Grand Ave. Turn right on Grand and go about 1 mile to Vine Street. Turn left on Vine and go about 0.5 miles to 1211 Vine. The building will be on the left. Proceed to the second building on top of the hill. It is building 2000 and go into the main entrance. We will have signs posted. Month Topic May 5 Dealing with those who think you took the easy way out June 2 Group Therapy July 7 Group Therapy August 4 Group Therapy September 1 Stuff Gift Bags/Prepare for Walk Sept 29 Walk From Obesity November 3 Group Therapy December 1 Holiday Potluck In the event that we would need to cancel the support group, please watch KCCI- TV 8, WOI-TV 5, WHO-TV 13 for cancellation information. You can also listen to1040 AM, 1350 AM, 940 AM, 107.5 FM, 100.3 FM, 102.4 FM, 104.1 FM, 93.3 FM, 103.3 FM, 92.5 FM, 95 FM, and 97.3 FM. ***** The support group is a requirement prior to surgery for the Iowa Health- Des Moines bariatric program*****