Hello from another newbie

Hello everyone. This is my second go around. I started the process in California and we moved mid stream. So here I go again. Not really any problems yet. I have UnitedHealthCare and they'll cover me and I go to St. Louis or Bridgeton with Dr. De La Torre, Dr. Scott , Dr. Richardson or Dr. Van Wagner. My pick on which.We're covered by Centers of Excellence and so far I've talked to Faith there. Only draw back now is I have to show 6 months of documented diets. Luckily I went last month and had a talk with my Dr. and had all the testing. So, 1 month down and my next appt. is Friday.Any info on Dr.s or hospitals would be appreciated. I can go to St. Alexius or De Paul Health. I can be long winded so forgive me.Thanks for listening.....Connie

Hello Connie so glad to meet you . I hope you find the doctor you are looking for. All of those doctors are good according to reports on here.post when you can and feel free to post on the whats happening post. if you can get a picture up it will help all of us remember you better. You arent being long winded lol you should see some of us. will await to see how you are doing . Jan

Hi Jan, I'm leaning towards Dr. De La Torre and De Paul Health.And I'm computer dumb as far as uploading, downloading, problem fixing etc. I'm working on a picture though.Give me a day or two.. Connie

Welcome Connie...from another Connie!!! I went through Dr. Scott, only at his Columbia office, and am very pleased! He is excellent to work with. I'm just down the road a bit from you, down in Branson! Connie

Hi Connie, Nice to meet you all.On line anyway. I'm gonna be off line a while with this tornado watch cuz being from California, well I'll be in my closet till it's over. I'll take a good ol' earthquake any day... Later, Connie

Connie, I am fairly new here. My surgery is scheaduled for 4/9 with Dr Van Wagner at St. Alexius Hospital. Dr Van Wagner and his staff are very friendly and helpful. Sherry

Welcome Connie. you are starting a wonderful journey to good health...you will be in my prayers....vesta

Hi Connie I used to live in Temecula.....The only Dr. I know from your list is Dr. Scott. I saw him in Columbia with my best friend. He also assisted my surgeon, Dr. Fearing in my surgery-of everyone that has him, I have never heard anything bad about him. He is very knowledgable and nice. Please come back and post regularly and let us get to know you- Jan does a Whats Happening post every morning-and we would love to see you post there too!! Take care and let us know how its going...Good to meet ya, Janet

Connie, Hi neighbor, I live in Nixa. Had my RNY on 12/26/06 at St. John's with Dr. Edwards so I don't know about the doctors you mentioned but I've heard their names and everyone seems to like them. I lived for 18 years in California, Walnut Creek in the SF bay area. Love northern California but too crowded and expensive. I had to do a six month physician supervised diet and exercise program and I can tell you that time flies. It wasn't what I had wanted to do but I'm not sorry now. It is all behind me and I think I learned some discipline doing it. It is good to use the time to meet folks who've had the procedure, talk about eating, practice drinking and small bites and chewing, give up soda, caffiene, cigarettes and anything else you need to get away from before surgery. Learning to not drink before, during and immediately after eating has been a major challenge for me. Please consider attending the Circle of Friends support group on the fourth Monday of the month at the fire station on Battlefield in Springfield. You will learn so much there. Claudette, the leader, will post details closer to the 23th. Those who have had the surgery are really the experts about the surgery and they can answer most questions you have except the ones that are very medically technical. People on this forum and at the meetings are ready and willing to help you as much as you want. I, personally, think that this forum is fantastic but I think you also need a personal face to face support group too. It is just so reassuring to know the people and to meet folks you've been corresponding with on the board. And we laugh so much at meetings that I go home so inspired every month. If you want to talk or have questions, please email me and I'll give you my phone number. I care about you and your journey. Hugs and love, Lana

HI Connie, I am familiar with Dr Scott as he did my RNY on 11/7/06 and I think he is great! His nurses are really helpful and he has good bedside manner and explains things very well. I went to University of Missouri for my surgery in Columbia and I had good care but have heard both good and bad from others that I work with who had the same surgery within a few months of mine (regarding the care from University staff).