Question:
If anyone out there is in Las Vegas, Nevada area, Where can I go for support for RNY?

I have been through medical hell here in The city that never sleeps. This city is very prejudice when it comes to obesity. I have been through 4-5 doctors in the past year and not to mention 4-5 different diagnosis's and antidepressants. I have opted to discontinue my meds and try to persue the surgery on my own. I have HPS, Sierra Choice as my insurance provider, which is another nightmare from hell. Please help, if you know of any emotional support groups.    — Cathie S. (posted on August 2, 1999)

August 2, 1999
I keep repeating myself, please forgive me. Please try an organization that can get answers for you that are correct. The group I went through is Weight For Life. You can visit their web site at: www.weight-for-life.com or call them at 1-800-789-8446. They can also refer you to a local physician. This is not an advertisement. I am not affiliated with Weight-for-Life, just a satisfied customer. They did all the work with my insurer, after I provided them with my medical records (will cost you a little to get them photocopied), and completed their survery on the history of my weight gain/loss. They may well be able to tell you where you stand right away.
   — Victoria S.

August 3, 1999
I am a member of the 2 oz. gastric bypass patient support groups. I receive a quarterly newsletter with the listings of all the support groups in a tri-state area, including Nevada. (I live in Utah) There are four different supports groups in Nevada and one specially in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Mountain View Hospital at 7PM. The listed support groups leaders are Robin Cooper at 702 914-0240 or Sue Johnson at 702 398-3257. I think Sue lives in Logandale but I have no idea how close that is to Las Vegas. There are also groups that meet in Battle Mountain, Elko,and Spring Creek. If you need any additional help finding out information you can try 800-339-9129 and ask for Colleen Cook, the director of the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity, or Dawn Armstrong the assist. director. These groups are wonderful and very informative not to mention the people there are very supportive. I am 15 weeks post op from my own RNY (4-14-99) and I'm down 75 pounds. I would be lost without my support group and look forward to the once a month meetings! Good luck with everything (especially the insurance!) and hope you can attend one of the support group meetings! God bless, Wendy....Clearfield, UT
   — wendy H.

August 12, 1999
Cathie, My name is De (Deanna Durant if you want to look me up on the albumn page) I live in Vegas too..and I know exactly what you mean about this town..I went to Scottlsdale for my surgery..I wouldn't let a surgeon in THIS town touch me with a 10 ft pole! my number is 228-6259 if you'd like to talk De Proximal RNY August 15, 1997 5 ft 1 in Age 45 Beginning weight 308 Current Weight 114 (194 pounds GONE!)
   — Deanna D.

November 2, 1999
I would be happy to talk to you about finding support options in LV. I, too live here and am considering surgery in Dec. 99 but have no family to help me take care of my 2 small children. Plus, my babysitter and others are dead-set against me having this surgery, to the point of trying to scare me out of having it. I have CCCTA-PPO insurance, and started the process of getting approved for surgery by contactng Ros Cline at CCCTA Welfare Benefit Trust. She referred me to an excellent therapist for my pre-surgical phych eval. Her name is Barbara parry and she has dealt alot with weight issues, abuse issues, and people deciding on surgery or not. Dr. Fisher is the only one in this town who currently does the bariatric surgery. He is associated with UMC. The number to his office is 671-5150. Please contact me, so that we can talk more about this. Good luck to you.
   — Marcia W.

October 17, 2002
there is a new wls support group in las vegas. check it out. it was founded by 4 wls post op patients & is directed by the same 4. it is a non profit organization registered with the state of nevada & is open to the public. ALL r welcome! Yahoo! Groups LasVegasWLSSupportGroup http://auto.search.msn.com/response.asp?MT=Yahoo!+Groups++LasVegasWLSSupportGroup&srch=5&prov=&utf8
   — sheryl titone