Grand Rapids Area Support Groups

I'm seeking information and considering WLS (considering getting the sleeve)
I am still conflicted about getting such a drastic surgery done but know its probably my only hope to lose weight after being over 200 lbs for 35 yrs..
I would like to get to know other people in my area who are seeking or who have already gone through WLS.  Are there any weight loss support groups in the Grand Rapids area?
Going to Dr. Kemmeter's information meeting next week.
Also G.R. or Michigan people...any surgeon recomendations?
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks much!  Vicky

Hi Vicky.   

Dr. Kemmeter was my surgeon, over 2 years ago, and frankly there is not another surgeon in all of the midwest that I would let touch me for WLS.  He is very highly skilled, and highly ethical, and just a really great person.

I had a DS, so I do have a sleeve plus the intestinal re-routing.  It all seems quite drastic when you are considering rearranging your anatomy... but post-op, not so much!  It was what I absolutely HAD to do to save my life, and it turned out to be the very best gift I ever gave to myself.

There really aren't any good support groups in the G.R. area --- and a number of us have pushed GHP to make that happen.  What you will find are groups that mainly consist of RnY patients and Gastric Banding, and frankly, you just won't be able to relate to their journey.  As strange as that may sound to a pre-op, post-op the journey is just very different.

Because there are no support groups around for just the DS, a number of us  (I think there were close to 30ish at my home in Feb)  get together regularly.  We will be getting together again on May 22, in Belmont.  Since there are no VSG groups, you would be welcome to join us --- everyone is very open about their experience, and really just a nice group of people.  The time always goes be so quickly!  People from mostly WestMI, considering the location, but some that travel, and a lot of surgeon representation  (although, mostly Kemmeter & Foote, considering we are DSers).  Or, if you would prefer to connect with some VSGers, I can help you out there, as well.

All the best to you,
Kimberley

Thank you for your comments Kimberly.
I'm not that far from you.
I live in Cedar Springs.
I guess i didn't know that individual groups were formed based
on the type of WLS they had but that makes sense.
Is the VSG that new that there are no groups for them and
what is GHP?

I grew up in Rockford, so we are neighbors!

Most groups are not formed based upon surgery type, it is just that most people who have a DS find in a very short time that they can't really "relate" with people who had other procedures.  We don't dump, have food get stuck, "work our tool", continue to diet, etc....   It is hard to explain, but everything that I  *thought*  I would be able to relate to others with on this journey, it just didn't happen --- and I am far from the only DSer that found that to be the case.

In any event, the VSG is indeed fairly new as a stand alone procedure, but a lot of people are getting this as it is a fairly easy procedure for surgeons to perform.  Many surgeons who had only learned to do Gastric Banding or RnY have now added VSG to their available options.  Many people get talked into it thinking that they can later get "part 2"  (the full DS) if needed later on, and then find out that their surgeon isn't capable performing "part 2", and oh yeah, insurance won't cover it  (most have a one WLS per lifetime limit, and you can't really prove that a VSG has "failed" like you can the pouch of a RnY or a slipped Gastric Band).  If I were you, I would spend a LOT of time on the VSG Forum, and REALLY pay attention to the stories of those that have been living with the VSG for longer than 2-3 years.  While it is very easy to live with, the data at 4-5 years out would not have been good enough for me.  Also, spend some time on the Revisions Forum --- lots of very frustrated VSGers looking for their next WLS.

GHP is Grand Health Partners; the practice Kemmeter is a part of.

I would like to attend some of your meetings to talk personally with people who have had the DS
and I have been reading here everyday. I don't plan to rush into anything.

P.S. Will you please private message me the time of your meeting and directions to your house?

Vicky,

I am also a patient of Dr. Kemmeter's.  I love him!!  I had the VSG on 12/17 and my hubby had his 12/18.  She was right in saying that the journey is different for VSG/DS patients versus banding/RNY.  I find that our procedures do require a lot of work post op to be successful but with fewer complications.  A coworker of mine had RNY and didn't exercise until she'd lost 100#.  with VSG and I believe with DS you have to start activity from the begining to continue to see results.  I wouldn't have changed my decision for anything in the world other than to do it sooner!

You're in great hands with GHP.  I work with them personally and professionally and wouldn't hesitate in any way to refer a patient there.

Let us know if you need anything. 

Dr. Kemmeter is amazing. Don't look at anyone else. He's the best there is. 

I'm having surgery with him in a little over a week and I feel completely at ease because of his track record and then because meeting him personally was such a wonderful experience. 

I'm starting to get past the scared feeling about doing this especially with all these good reports about Dr. Kemmeter!

Hi Vicky!
Another Kemmeter patient checking in here.   I was his twelfth DS.  You're in good shape with him!  Dr. K. also has a Facebook page and he is an avid communicator with his patients.   I will also be at the Grand Rapids gathering on May 22 - wouldn't miss it for the world.  This is a truly special bunch of people you will meet!   I hope you can make it.