Would love to hear from anyone in the Missouri Bootheel area...

Hi, my name is Tammy. I live in Campbell Mo and I would love to hear from others close to my area. Im still in the beggining faze of getting things going for my surgery and would love to hear others stories and ask questions....Thanks..Tammy

Hi Tammy, I live in Kennett. I am almost 4 months post-op and utilized the University Healthcare System in Columbia, MO for my surgery. What steps have you taken so far? Sherr

Hi Sherr, Thanks so much for dropping me a line....At the moment Im waiting to hear from the Bariatric Center about my first appt. I thought I would have one by now but I had a small set back because my referal letter from my family doctor didnt get done on a paper with a letter head from her office....I got that redone and sent in a few weeks ago and now im setting on pins and needles waiting to hear back from them. How long did it take you to get to surgery stage once you got started? Do they have any support groups in our area? Hope to hear from you soon....Tammy

No,there aren't any support groups around here. Where is the Bariactric Center? I went from checking into WLS the 1st week of July, attended the required seminar on 7/9/06 and had surgery 6 weeks later on 9/29/06. I get something on my mind, I am like a well oiled machine LOL Sherr

I would love for things to go that fast for me...My birthday is in April and that would be a fantastic b-day present!!!!! I recently had the sleep study done and Im already set up with a machine. I had a stress test done last year but dont know if that will be recent enough for them...I hope I can get all my testing set up to be done all at once so its less trips to make and so Ill know Im at least that far into getting closer to a surgery date. I meant the Missouri Bariatric Servieces in Columbia Mo.....Where did you have your surgery? Ive been reading some on the message boards about the protein drinks you have to use....some people seem to have a hard time finding one they can drink.....Which one did you use?

Don't use any protein that you can buy around here, and trust me on that. LOL GO here: http://www.1fast400.com/?products_id=384 this is Bulk Nutrition. The preferred brand we all love is: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, and you will not find it cheaper than $13.99 around here. If you decide to order, I believe I have a free shipping code (which is $4.95 for any size order) The Vanilla Ice Cream is most versitale, since you can add sugar free syrups to it. But I like the strawberry the best. I had all my tests done the 3 week in August and stayed up in Columbia, in my favorite hotel. The Regency, which has a fantastic medical rate for us. $45!!! Then, after I had my surgery, I stayed there that week after because I had to drive myself, and I knew I'd be too week to make that trip 3 days after surgery all the way home. When I did drive it 10 days out, it took me nearly 9.5 hours!!! And I can make Columbia in 4.5 normally. The pain and having to stop and walk around every so often so you don't get clots, made the trip soooo long for me. my email: [email protected] if I can help you.

Tammy just jump in and start posting . People on here are at all stages of the trip. from pre op to old timers that are 3 ,4, and 5 years out. If you have questions ask, if something new happens to you let us know.If no one knows the answers to questions that you ask i grant you someone will try to find out. How far away are you from Fredericktown? there is a new support group starting up there. If you live close to Sherr maybe the two of you could ride up to it once a month. If you car pool wouldnt cost either as much as it would one and would be company on the trip. The protein drink i and and a lot of us use is the OH 100%Whey Gold Standard. GNC stores have it as does Food 4 less and there is a place to buy it on line also. Google it and find the cheapest online place. It is about 25 dollars for a 5 pound container but is really really good. I use the vanilla ice cream flavor becasue i can make it any flavor i want. with frozen fruit and sugar free syrups that you can buy. Hope all of this helps and like i said post any time and people will respond im sure. Jan

Thanks Jan, for the tip on the protien drink....And the info on the support group in Fredricktown...I may ask her about that.....

Hi tammy, I live in Poplar Bluff, not far from you, I am having surgery Mar 20th in Sedalia, if I can be of help let my know. cathy

Tammy, I live really near Columbia, so if I can be of help you let me know. Look up motels, or come visit you, anything you need, I will help the best I can. Welcome to the board Kathleen