On my way to Michigan

Hi my name is Candy. I am scheduled to have my surgery Oct. 3rd. In Billings, MT. However I am also planning to move to Michigan the 1st week of November to be closer to family. My question is this, I will be moving to the Bear Lake-Cadillac area does anyone know of a good doctor I can look up and a support group in that area as well? Thanks for all your help ***HUGS*** Candy

Welcome to Michigan! I don't live in that area, so I can't help you with a doctor recommendation, but we are happy to have you in Michigan. Good luck on your surgery. We will be praying for you. Karen B from Delton

Thanks... I can't wait until I get there

Hey Candy, When you get here look up in Traverse City. I believe they have Bariatric dr.s there. Not sure though. I love Bear Lake. I used to spend the summers there with my Aunt. You are moving to a WONDERFUL place. Good luck with your surgery and your move. And hey....WELCOME TO MICHIGAN!!!!! Hugs, Di p.s. bring a nice warm winter jacket. LOL

Welcome Candy! You will be moving not "too" far from me. I live in Prudenville (Houghton Lake area), so Cadillac is about 45 minutes from me. I started a support group here after I had my surgery in Dec. 2003, because there was not one near me, and I definately wanted support! We are a fun group, going strong, and you are definately welcome to join us!!! We meet every 4th Monday of the month @ 7:00 p.m. in the old Denton Township Hall (stone building) next to the New Denton Township/Secretary of State offices. The address is actually 2563 S. Gladwin Rd., Prudenville, MI if you'd like to "mapquest" it to get driving directions from Bear Lake, or just email me and I'd be glad to give you directions. There may be a support group in Cadillac, but I'm just not aware of it if there is. There is a bariatric surgeon in Traverse City that I've heard good things about...here's his info: Roche J. Featherstone, M.D. General Surgery Traverse City (231) 935-8890. You can go to www.munsonhealthcare.org to get more info on him, I'm sure. I understand you will want to be checking in with a surgeon for followups, but you will also want to find a pcp to help with your regular checkups, bloodwork, etc. When you start looking for one, just be sure they are familiar with WLS patients and our needs. I know pcp's are getting more and more familiar with "us" because there are so many of us WLS patients now. But most of all Candy, I just wanted to welcome you to the MI Board and to the area!!! If you need any help at all, don't hesitate to email me! Best of Luck on your surgery and keep us posted! Hugs, Theresa

Hi Candy, First of all CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming surgery. I am from Ionia Michigan, Cadillac is about 1 1/2 hours north of me. I would HIGHLY recommend my Dr. he is awesome and I feel, one of the best here. If you want, you can look him and my bariatric surgery center up at MMPC.com Dr. James Foote. There are support groups around the Grand Rapids Mi area, if you want, I can look up and see if there are any closer to Cadillac. I am more than willing to help you with your transfering to this area, if you need me, please feel free to e-mail me anytime. I wish you the best of luck with your move, please keep in touch and let me know when you get into the area. Maybe we can meet up sometime. Hugs from Michigan Cheryl

I don't live in the area, but I have visited it is a very beautiful place. Welcome to Michigan & Good luck on you up coming journeys. Linda 309/175/140

Candy, I second Cheryl's comments about Dr. Foote. He's great. There is a support group that meets the third tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Mecosta County Medical Center in Big Rapids. BR is about 40 miles south of Cadillac.

Hi Candy, I live about 30 min north of Cadillac. I also had Dr. Foote & everyone is right. He is the best! E-mail me when you get to Mich & we can get together. Nancy