I am needing and wanting to lose weight I am getting very desperate as when I came to this website, I didn't realize how much trouble I can be in with as heavy I am, I am 5' 6" and weight 335.5 lbs....pretty scary. I am not sure how to go about losing weight, I don't eat much, sometimes not at all, and I am too ashamed to go out doors, so here I sit getting bigger and bigger and have no motivation anymore to try to exercise, and at the point that I wish I would just hurry up and explode, and be done with it for ever....I had exercied everyday for over a year, and didn't lose an ounce, granted when I did this I was a little lighter them I am now, but I lost faith in trying to lose weight or even keeping it steady, I do have a thyroid problem, and just had hyperparathyroidism surgery...am I going to be stuck being big and FAT 4-ever? I hope not, I want to be healthy, and energitic, and motivated, and to be able to breath without running out of breath even walking from my livingroom to my bedroom, which isn't far at all, I can't even stand for long hours or even for a half an hour with out my back hurting, and then later my feet hurting real bad, feeling like I need to have them removed. Please tell me the best way to lose weight, and best way to exercise, and to become motivated, even when I do exercise I get migraines, which makes me not want to exercise anymore, for fear that I will get more headaches....I want to do this I want to lose weight, I want to be happy and healthy, but I fear I am going no where! I really don't want to do surgery, besides, I don't even have insurance, so I really don't think I will be able to ever afford to have it done. I am at my wits end and feel I would rather die anymore than to be this big and hurt from not being comfortable to going out with my boys, ages: 20, 19, 13 and 9, they wonder why mom doesn't want to go do anything, I go to the movies and I sit in a chair and it hurts, I went to the fair one time and couldn't go on a ride because I was too fat and they couldn't close the ride, and it was so ashamed because I had to walk back to the gate and everyone was looking, and I just went to my sons school to meet with the teachers, and felt so ashamed because they wanted me to sit in a chair that is attached to the seat and I couldn't fit in it, they thought I didn't want to sit up front in front of all the teachers so they started to move the desks, I said no we need to go sit at the round table in the back of the room because I just cannot fit in these chairs....I am to the point I am just safe in the house, I don't hear rude remarks here, and don't feel so uncomfortable. Please someone tell me the best route to go....I WANT TO SURVIVE AND I WANT TO BE HAPPY!

Three days of Support and Patient Education Guest Speakers Informational Seminars and Question and Answer Sessions How to be a successful WLS Preop and Post op Patient Learn about and try new bariatric products. Hey Everyone, the LA Event is just around the corner! The fun begins Friday, October 29th at 6:00p.m at The Universal Hilton Hotel in Universal City, California. That night, we will kick off our 2nd National ObesityHelp Convention with a Costume Ball and a live band, playing your favorite songs from the 80's. Come dressed as your favorite halloween character or movie star and share this fun filled evening with those who have traveled or are traveling the same journey. Saturday and Sunday will be jam packed with support and education, guest speakers and breakout sessions for both preop and post op individuals. On Sunday, to wrap up our event, we will hold a ObesityHelp Fashion Show featuring some very familiar faces. Time is running out, so don't wait to register for the event. http://www.ohmemberevents.com/losangelesindex.htm?D=081704 We hope to see many of you there!!!! *********************************** Register early and save $15 per person! ObesityHelp National Convention Date: October 29th - 31st, 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Universal Studios Hilton 555 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City, CA Hotel cost $124 plus tax per night. To register your room call 818-506-2500 Use convention code OBI to get the discounted room rate. Hurry as double rooms are filling up fast; you don't want to miss this end-of-the-year special event. The Cost if you register before October 15th $60 per person. After October 15th the cost goes up to $75.00 So, Hurry and SAVE $15.00! To register visit this website http://www.ohmemberevents.com Agenda for the weekend: Friday night: 6:00 pm until Join us for out special costume "Your The Star" party. Come dressed as your favorite Hollywood Star Or Halloween Character. Bring your cameras you won't want to miss all the "star studded" action on Friday night. The Friday night fun also includes a live 80's band for dancing nostalgia! Saturday: Break out sessions all day. Topics that will be covered: Plastic surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Men's only Group, Women's only Group, Post-op Nutrition, The New You, and so much more. Please see the Event website at http://www.ohmemberevents.com for a complete list of breakout sessions. The Saturday fun continues as many are going to visit the Universal City Walk. To see more about Universal City Walk use this website address. http://www.citywalkhollywood.com/ Sunday: Breakout sessions continue on Sunday with a special Post-op Fashion Show to conclude the day! To register immediately click here http://ohmemberevents.com/obesity+help+events+los+angeles.htm Sound like fun? Why not invite your entire support group to attend. Special group rates are available Until October 15th, 2004. Your group of 5 or more can register for just $50 each! Are you a support group leader and you want additional training and support from Obesityhelp? Obesityhelp is sponsoring a special support group leaders workshop on Friday October 29th from 1pm - 5pm just for support group leaders. If you are interested in this special training please email Monica Ganz, Ph.D.at [email protected] Kirk Thompson aka CROW -450# Lost ObesityHelp Staff

Thanks Linn! Is Dr. Mortensen in Missoula? Great Falls is closer to me, but I agree its good to keep your options open!

I didn't have him, but I did have an initial appointment. You can make your own appointment with him, and it is relatively quick. I think it was within a week or two. I don't think it is too long getting to surgery either. They will handle the insurance for you, but if he's not sure you'll be approved, they won't do much. That was my case. I ended up going to someone else because of that. But.... I've heard that he's a good surgeon. I've also hear that Dr. Mortensen is good as well. He will be taking my gall bladder out next week. I would just suggest that if you can, try to see as many surgeons as possible and then make your decision from there. Also, the surgeons in Missoula are good as well. They only do the RNY and don't do vey many surgeries lap, but they are moving into it more and more. Good luck to you, Linn

Greetings all! Just found this site, and thought I'd jump in. I'm looking to find current or past patients of Dr.Rohrer to ask some questions. How does he work his practice, do you make an initial appt, or is it done by your GP. Whats the timeline for getting an appt, can it be done the same month or is the waiting list several months long? How long after the initial consultation is surgery scheduled, PROVIDING that all the criteria was met. A month, a few months, a year? I am particulary interested in any of you that have had the AGB done, but also the Lap RNY. How often after the surgery were you seen? I know I need to call his office for the info, but I also want to hear the 'truth' by patients. Sometimes Dr truth and patient truth aren't quite the same. And the million dollar question: Is there anything you regret?