Support Group in SW Missouri?

Hi everyone...I'm Teresa and I'm new here..well, actually I've been lurking awhile. I'm 43 yrs old, a single Christian mom of the 2 most wonderful teenage girls ever born. I'm 5'5" and weighed 303 last time I was at the doctors office. I'm hoping to have surgery this spring. I'm not the slightest bit scared and I have complete confidence in my chosen surgeon. Yes, I do know the risks, but it just feels RIGHT and I'm absolutely comfortable with doing this. Looks like my information will all be sent off to insurance next Wednesday and my insurance told me it would take 7-14 days for a decision, provided they don't need more information. Anyway, I'm plannning on having my surgery in St. Louis with Dr. dela Torre and my insurance is BC/BS of Tennessee. I need to attend a support group meeting before surgery and thought I'd seen posts about there being one in Springfield. Aside from the fact that attending one is required, I think it would be fun and very beneficial. Ok, so I guess I'm not a lurker anymore....

Hi Teresa and welcome to the Missouri board!! There is a support group at the St. John's surgery center...it's accross from the main hospital...the next meeting is on Monday the 13th from 5:30 until 7p.m. It's a great group and I think you'll find it very beneficial to you. Also, you picked one of the best surgeons ...and you will not regret his expertise. I dreaded my trips to St. Louis but, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I now do my follow-up visits in Columbia. Hope to meet you at the meeting on Monday... Kelli

Teresa Welcome to the board. Glad to see you came out of lurking. I went for my information meeting for Dr. Scott in Springfield, MO. But they set that meeting up ahead of time. Usually from what I have heard it is in Jefferson City or Columbia. Why not calll Dr DT's office to see when the next meeting is. If you go to the one in Springfield look me up and say Hello. Glad to have you here. Have a great weekend!! Melissa

Hi Teresa, We have a great support group through the Weight Loss Surgery Program at St. John's Hospital. The next meeting of the New Beginnings Support Group is Monday, February 13, 2006, at the St. John's Surgery Center, Classroom 4B, 1229 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. We meet from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Our regular meetings are the second Monday of every month. The New Beginnings Support Group is for weight loss surgery pre and post-op patients, their support members or anyone wanting to obtain information on weight loss surgery. We welcome pre-op patients, post-op patients, family members, and the general public. You may be a part of our group regardless of where you have had your surgery, and you don't have to be a patient to attend. This month's speaker is Carmen Boyd, RD, LPC. Carmen will be discussing "Food and Mood". I hope you'll be able to come on Monday, and at our regular monthly meetings. It is a wonderful group! Cathy St. John's Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Program Patient Liaison ObesityHelp Support Group Leader

Hi Teresa! Dr De La Torre performed my surgery, too. I attend his support group meeting at De Paul Health Center in Bridgeton on the 1st & 3rd Wed. at 5:30 PM. It is a nice friendly and lively group. Pam