DR. VERSTEEG - moving to California in 6 weeks!

Dr. Kylve VerSteeg, of Fort Dodge is leaving Iowa in 6 weeks. This was announced, much to our dismay, at our support group meeting tonight. Alot of us don't know what to feel...except shocked and scared. I think the main reason we are feeling so abandoned is because Dr. VerSteeg's follow up support has been so wonderful...so extensive, that not having it at all is a shock. I, being 14 months out, do not go to that many support group meetings, but i am feeling so sad for all those that are newly post op that will have no support network. I dont know what i would have done without our support group the first few months....it was my lifeline. I am hoping to start a local support group that can meet monthly...but 6 weeks isn't long to get the ball rolling. Iowa will be losing a wonderfully gifted surgeon. This is truly a sad day. ~~Dawn Phillips

Will there be anyone in the area still doing the surgery? Did they say what they are suggesting the "abandoned" patients do now that he is leaving? I feel for you all. I believe that without follow-up care this surgery could easily fail. The actual surgery is only the beginning. It's what comes after that either makes it or breaks it. Dixie

This is truely sad news to us here in Iowa. We did know that there were offers he was considering. I was hoping that he would stay in the Iowa area even if he did leave the Ft Dodge area. He will be missed and it is Iowa's loss. He had patients coming in from other states to have him do the surgery. That in its self speaks highly of his ability. If I had it to do over I would consider traveling to the location that he was in just to have him do my surgery. He is the best in my book... Best of luck to you Doctor Ver Steeg, you and Phyllis WILL BE MISSED...

I recieved in the mail today a letter from Doctor Ver Steeg. He is relocating to Lancaster California. GOOD LUCK the desert can be pretty in the spring. But it is too hot for me.

I got the letter in the mail, too! I sat down and just cried. Even tho I cannot attend many support meetings, in the beginning it was crucial to me to be able to go to them. I had my surgery in Feb 04, and was really looking forward to having my yearly done, but you know what?, I think Feb in IA is a REALLY good reason to have to make a trip to CA! I envy the Californians who will be getting Dr and Phyllis! If you DO get a support group set up, please let me know!! Tracie