How far are you from Sioux Falls?  I would say the best bet is to find a surgeon in sioux falls as even though the cities have a whole bunch of great surgeons...to be driving 4 hours to the cities several times would just be a pain in the butt...imho.  At Park Nicolett your first appt. is 5 days (or so) after your surgery.  Then every month after that to the Nutrition (30 minute appt.)  and doctor.  
I would try avera mckennan:  http://www.avera.org/mckennan/services/weight-loss-surgery/i ndex.aspx#Patient-Testimonials  and i have heard this Doc. Graham is a nice dude at Sandford Health and it is a center of excellence so i would check this place out first.  http://www.sanfordhealth.org/MedicalServices/Specialties/WeightLossSurgery/SiouxFalls

Hi!  I might be able to make it to coffee this week.  Where and when is it?

Thanks!!

Thanks!  Yes, I have talked to Nicky several times and she is great!!!  I met with Dr. Kelly yesterday and I really like how he took the time to answer all of my questions and I feel very good about going ahead with my decision once I talked with him!  60 lbs????  good for you!!!  Can't wait to be in your shoes!!

Dr. Kelly did my RNY and I thank him every day for it!  It's a miracle!  I was originally going to get the lap band but when I had my preop appointment I learned I wasn't the best candidate so decided to switch to RNY.  Great decision for me and I'm down 60 pounds at four months out.  Yeehaw! 

It only took me one day to get my surgery approval back but it can take up to two weeks.  They usually only go over the cases once or twice a week and I just happen to have mine sent in the day they were going over them so heard back right away.  

It's usually about a month from pre-op appointment to surgery depending on if they want you to lose weight on a liquid diet first.  I didn't have to do that but my friend did.  All depends on your size and your liver, I guess.

Nicky, the St. Paul Surgeons insurance coordinator is a rockstar and super helpful.  If there's a way to get your surgery in by the end of the year, she will find a way!  Good luck!

 Hi Nicoe, I will be looking forward to seeing you on the second weekend. We al begin to strugge this far out, but at least we can be there for tips and encouragement.