New to State/ Introducing Myself

Hello everyone!

I moved to the Joplin area in southwestern MO just about 2 wks ago now.  When I had WLS a little over 2 yrs ago I lived in ND, but fairly shortly thereafter moved back to WI, where I'm from originally/ all my family is there.  Basically, I moved to ND for grad school & was pretty much finished, had WLS (in Mexico) and moved back to WI.

I really struggled finding a job using my degree and ultimately was offered a position at Missouri Southern State Univ, which brought me here.  I have the best set of coworkers & boss that anyone could possibly hope for & an outstanding landlord.  God has smiled on me :)  It still was a very difficult decision to leave my family, friends, and significant other - no, we aren't married, but plan on it when he is done with school.  Ultimately, though, I chose to come here & think it was the best decision for me.  I also really enjoy the work that I do with students.  My significant other, Stephen, said he will move down here next May when his classes are finished, though he still has other requirements for his program to complete.

So, I've thrown my lot in with you all!!  I plan on joining the Young Professionals Network in Joplin & would like to volunteer for some time of human services/ working with people where I'm translating in Spanish.  I'm not 100% fluent, but have a good solid foundation.  I also plan on continuing to study by taking classes starting in the fall.  Anyone know of a service need for Spanish translation in the southwestern area?  Springfield's a little too far for me, I'm actually closer to Neosho than Joplin.

I had the DS.  Anyone else close to me have it by chance?  I think it's a little challenging being so close to the "4 state" area because someone could actually be within 15 miles of me & be in KS, OK, or AR!

Are there any support groups for WLS patients in general in this area that anyone knows of?  I'm really looking to make new connections in the community & I thought this might be a really good avenue for that.

I hope this Sunday morning finds everyone doing well!

Lisa

Welcome to the Missouri Board. I don't live near Joplin but several do that usually come on this board.
Congrats on your surgery. I wish you the best in your relocation to our State. I will help you all I can if you have any questions. I am 8 years out on RNY.

Hugs
Barbara

Thank you so much for your welcome, Barbara :)

Congrats on your surgery too.  I also noticed in your siggy line that you had TT with the KU Residency program.  I've heard really good things about that program.  I had a couple of consults, one in WI & one in TX both with residency programs, but ultimately decided to wait because I'm probably going to have kids sometime in the next 5 yrs.  Doesn't make much sense to have plastics now!

I'm not sure where Freeman is, but I've heard of Freeman Hospital in Joplin . . .

Thanks again,
Lisa

Freeman where I live is closer to Kansas City. I am about 35 miles south and 10 miles west of Kansass City.

Hugs
Barbara

welcome Lisa i dont live close to you but welcome to the board....there use to be lots of people from Joplin that posted but they have fallen off the ends of the earth i guess, havent heard from them in forever. maybe  with you asking they will jump back on....would love to hear from them too...if you ever want to drive to Springfield there is a good group that meets at the main library ...this month is the 6th at 6:30....would love to meet you...

Hi Jan,

Thanks for telling me about the group, I just might come, though this distance is definitely a downside with gas prices these days.  But, it would be nice to meet a fellow group of WLS patients.

Thanks again!

if you need futhur directions it is at the main library on Campbell street...Lana can give you maybe better directions i know where im going when im there but never know where i have been lol
would b e great to meet you

Lisa,
Welcome to the Missouri Board and to Missouri. I had RNY lap done four plus years ago. I also had a tummy tuck at the KU Medical Center Residency program and can't say enough about how wonderful they are. As Jan said, we used to have lots of Joplin folks who came to Springfield for meetings (ride shared) and who posted on this board but they all seem to have moved on. I must say I blame Facebook a little because many of our folks just post there. I'm not real big on putting my life out there for just anyone to read so I prefer this space - more selective and understanding of problems WLS surgery patients can face.
We would love to have you come to Springfield meeting some time. It is an extended family for many of us.
Hugs and welcome,
Lana

Hi Lana,

I totally agree about FB.  My job has a website on it because students use FB so much these days, we figure it's another mode of getting messages out to them.  I don't want to be rude to any particular student, but I know eventually I will get a friend request from a student & I really don't want to mix my personal life with my professional life.  Yikes!  They're supposed to be separate!

Thanks again!

Hi Lisa, Welcome.  My name is Cecelia and I actually live in St Louis, but am originally from Joplin, Mo.  I actually was going to have my surgery in Joplin, because I wanted to have the MGB(Mini gastric bypass) and the doctor down there is great.  His name is DavidHargroder.  His office in on Maiden Lane across from St John's hospital.  That group has support meetings monthly and you can call his office for dates and times.  I was on their mailing lists for quite a while and once I decided to have surgery here (due to insurance requirements and Dr. Hargroder does not take insurances, but only charges around $17,000 inclusive of hospital)---anyway I dropped off their list. 

They are very friendly group and I am sure would welcome a newcomer to town. 

I will actually be in Joplin this month to visit my siblings.  So keep me posted on how you are doing -- maybe I can help with something.