Columbia???

I was just wondering if there was anyone from Columbia. I am looking to getting RNY and it would be nice to start up my support system here. We are a military famiy, so we don't have family close by. I just need some people here that I can relate with. Thanks!

Erica I live in Cayce and had my surgery by Dr. Strickland at Riverside Surgical at the Lexington Medical Center. Email me...we also have support group through his ofc at the medical center the 1st Wed of each month at 6pm. Joan M

Hi Erica! I'm in Columbia, too, and my surgeon is Dr. Givens, also at Riverside Surgical. Do come to the support group! You can get more information about the SC Obesity Surgery Center at http://www.scobesity.com/ Lisa

Erica, Hey!! My name is Carmen. I am one year post op (down total of 200 pounds since the pursuit of my surgery) (down 170 from surgery day). Dr. Strickland also did my surgery and was GREAT! I know what it's like to move around. I grew up in a military family. I also know what it's like to be in pursuit of the surgery and needing support and information. Believe me, it's the best thing I've ever done! The support group is nice but I always feels a little overwhelmed when I go. It's so big and there's a lot of information but I didn't feel that it was personal. Does that make sense? Please email me, maybe we can get together. I am willing to support you in any way possible. I live in Chapin. [email protected] Have a great one!!! Carmen 362/160 (surgery 2/06)

Hi Erica I live here in Columbia, just a few miles from Ft. Jackson, a ret.military family member. I had the RNY surgery in September. I've lost 75 pounds so far. My doctor is Dr. Prckett (and DR. Tribble) with Palmetto Health Baptist. I have TriCare Prime insurance and with Dr. *****ett I didn't pay anything. Just my $25.00 co-pay for the hospital. He is a wonderful doctor and they have a support group meeting the 2nd and 4th Monday on Laural Street office. I also go to the Fort Jackson support meeting, they meet once a month, the second Tuesday at 6:00pm in the waiting room just off the elevators. I really enjoy the one at Fort Jackson. They'll meet next on Feb. 13th, we will be trying different protein samples. This support group has a mixture of ladies that have had surgery from FT Gordon, Dr. Strickland and Dr. *****ett. Some had surgery as far back as five years ago. Please try to come to this one. I'll be glad to help you in anyway I can. Give me a call, I'd love to talk to you.My phone number is 788-6285, my email is [email protected]. Judy

Hi, Erica. I live in Elgin. My surgery was 3 years ago this month and was done by Dr. Givens. Let me know if I can answer any questions or be of any help to you. Donna

Thank you all for your replies! Nice to know that there are people here have have gone through all this. I have my appt on wednesday to see if I can get a referral to see a WL surgeon. I am so excited!!!! I am ready for this!!!! Please feel free to email me... [email protected]