..........Made some calls today

Well, I called Dr Eagans office, they have a waiting list right now til July of 2007!!! And then i called Dr de la Torre, and they dont take my insurance. They said that the University of Missouri at Columbia does.............does anyone have any experience there? How depressing of a start.

Robyn, A lot of people have had WLS surgery at UMC. Dr. De La Torre and his partner Dr. Scott are in charge of the program here. They are great. Here's the link to the web site. http://www.muhealth.org/~obesesurgery/ Dr. Scott did my Lap RNY 7/26/05. I am down 110 lbs, off BP med and CPAP machine. It's the best thing I ever did for myself. I know it's a pain having to travel so far to have the surgery, but a lot of people have done it. Melissa, who posts on here a lot, had her surgery done here about 5 weeks ago, and she lives in Joplin. Give Missouri Bariatrics a call. Attend a pre-op seminar if you can. That provides the best information. Bring someone with you. My husband went with me, and the seminar convinced him I needed the surgery, and these are the docs to do it. Good luck to you with whatever decision you make. Linda

Robyn I went thro Dr. Scott for my surgery. And yes, like Nana Linda said I am from Joplin. But I tell you what I wouldnt of traded him for ANYONE!!!! His staff are so wonderful and friendly. The Hospital was beyond anything I could ever imagine. My DH stayed with me the whole time. Everytime one of the nurses came into my room to check on me no matter what the time was they ALWAYS asked him if he needed anything: Clean towels, another blanket, ice, tea, soda, pillow, ect. Never in all my hospital stays have I ever had nurses treat me with such care and concern. I was in the from Monday till Thursday afternoon and I only had to buzz for them 2 times. The rest of the time they were right there checking on me. My sister is a Pharmacist (sp) and she was totally blown away by they way they treated me. And for her to be impressed is really saying something. Please check him out he is wonderful and that isnt even touching the tip of the iceburg for him. I had my surgery on the 24th of April. He did the Gastric Sleeve on me and so far I am down 57 pounds from surgery. Cant hurt to check him out thats for sure. If there is anything I can do for you please drop me an email. I will help in anyway possible. Melissa

Robyn If Dr. de la Torres doesnt take your insurance. You could try Dr. James Pitt in Columbia.. he is at Boone he might take your insurance.......Craig Lee

Thanks you guys, I am going to make a few more calls today and see what happens. I hate to go to Columbia, since my girls are so young, but I am going to have to do what I have to do. Its only about 90 minutes if i drive during off peak hours, closer to two hours otherwise. So it can be done.

Robyn, I drove from Branson to Columbia to Dr. Scott and am TOTALLY glad I did!!! Dr. Scott and Dr. D are just super!! Connie