Question:
Moved and need a new doctor and support group. Help!

Hi, I have 2 questions. I had my surgery in Dec. of 2001. I lost all my weight within 6 months. Went from a size 26 to a size 10. I had no problems until now. I moved in July of 2002 from California to Indiana to get married. I have not seen a doctor since June of last year. I feel fine, but I know I do need to follow up. With my husbands insurance I have to be referred to a specialist but first need to find a regular doctor in order to do so. I have no friends or family here to recommend a general practioner on the East side of Indianapolis. Does anyone have any recommendations? My 2nd question: When I moved here I tried to find a support group and the only one I could find was at St. Vincents hospital. They informed me that I am not welcome to join because I did not have my surgery done there. They pointed me in the direction of a yahoo site instead for online meetings. That is not what I need...does anyone know of a support group here? Like I said I have no friends or family here and I am getting depressed and wanting to revert back to my old eating habits (and have a little) and could use a friend in town. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.    — Lori M. (posted on October 31, 2003)

October 30, 2003
Linda, I would suggest you go to the "Go Local" link at the top of the page that will take you to the Indiana list. Then post a message there. You will get more responses and maybe even make some friends. You can always start your own support group and post get togethers on the Indiana Messageboard. I wish you the best. Ann in TX
   — Ann B.

October 30, 2003
Congratultions on your successful weight loss and on your new marriage. I too went through the same thing that you are going through and though I don't have any suggestions for physician in Indiana I just wanted to let you know that I have been there and offer assurance that things will get better. I was fortunate that I found a physician in my area who treated me as I was only 4 months post-op when I moved and have joined their support group and so I'm sure there are physicians out there who would be happy to allow you to attend their support group. As far as finding a physician I called my local gastric bypass surgeon's office and asked them for a physician refferal of someone who was WLS friendly so I could have a doc who understood my procedure. I still haven't been able to get into see her yet but I hear she is well worth the wait. Good luck on finding a physician and you can feel free to e-mail me if you just need a friend to chat with. I had to break out of my shell and ask my neighbor if she wanted to walk with me, etc. It wasn't easy as I've been a hermit for the past ten years due to my weight but it was worth it. Good luck. Denise 280/155/150
   — denisel

October 30, 2003
Lori, there are some of us from the St. Vincent's group who get together sometimes outside the St. V's "system." We are a grad group - more than a year out from surgery - and find that the official support groups address more pre-op and early postop issues and that our issues are very different. We do have an online support group but it is reinforced by personal connections from time to time. Please email me directly if you want more info about that. I can also let you know the names of some PCPs AND I would love to just meet you for lunch sometime. hugs, Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]