Is there any meetings that I can go to thats close to Burlington,Ia

Just wondering if there is any local support groups that I can go to thats close to Burlington,Ia? Im waiting on my visit with the surgeon on the 22nd and then I hope Im approved have bcbs alliance. I've been going to Genisis and thats kinda far for a weeknight support meeting..just wondering......

Morning Denise, Sorry can't help you out as I'm way on the other side of the state! But I wanted to welcome you to the board & wish you luck & hoping to see you on the losing side soon Carolyn

Denise, Genisis has their own support group meetings & from what I read, they are very good ones & well attended. I'm sure someone here (Andrea, maybe?) can give you the time & place. It's great to start going before you actually have the surgery so you can hear stories from patients who had the surgery where you are going to have yours. Dixie

Oop, I misread your message & see you know about the ones at Genesis. I don't know how far it is from Burlington but in my opinion, the support group meetings are very useful & worth driving awhile. I have to take off from work to go to mine & still feel it's worth it. Dixie

ok thanks Dixie I was hoping that there was one closer.You can attend 1 every 3rd Wed at Genisis didnt know if any had more times to offer or if generaly they only meet 1 time a month.Im excited to get this over with just need all the support I can get. My husband is in the Health field and I know about alot of the risks involved just scared still.

Washington has a support group that meets the 1st Monday of the month at the hospital. It is about an hour away from Burlington. I suppose closer than Genesis though! Morgan 305/146/150

Thanks where ? I've been to Washington before but dont know where anything is Hostpital? any directions. Did you have yours done there or where? Denise

Actually I had mine done in Grinnell but driving 2 hours for a support group was too much for me. I started this one in April '03. We get a small amount of people in every stage of the journey. Average attendance is 6-10. Fairly unstructured, sharing time, Ideas, protein samples, clothes and support! I am a Public Health Nurse and add the medical side of things. Directions. Take 218 N to Ainsworth, R on 92 7 miles to Washington. Turn R at 9th, Follow hospital signs- around a corner and you are at the hospital. We meet in the meeting room to the R inside the main entrance. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&addtohistory=&formtype=address&searchtype=address&cat=&address=400%20E%20Polk%20St&city=Washington&state=IA&zipcode=52353%2d1237&searchtab=home Here is the mapquest map if you can't cut and paste it search 400 E Polk St in Washington. Hope to see you Monday at 6:30! Next month we have Dr ALi coming to give us information on plastics!

Hi Denise - I'm the Andrea to which Dixie referred. I saw on your profile that you are a patient of Dr. Christophersen's - me too! I go to the Genesis meetings monthly - have I met you before? They do only meet once a month, but you most certainly can get support on here. Post often or choose someone to personally e-mail and ask for support any time! Jesi and I talk a lot via the telephone and others talk often on the computer. Find a way that works for you - I'll be glad to help if I can. By the way, are you planning laproscopic surgery? Lucky you! I had the full open surgery - was patient number 12 through the Genesis program. It's hard work and quite a journey - but well worth it! Good luck and God bless, Andrea

Hi! I am Jesi that Andrea talked about......I did not go thru Genesis....I went thru U of I.....but I try to attend the Genesis support group....You have picked a really good program I drave an hour each way to go to Genesis....and since it is only once a month it is worth it....lately I have not been able to make it tho I totally agree that support is greatly needed and appreciated....Hope to meet ya at one of the meetings! Take Care Jesi