I think it's a great idea to meet informally.  Kaladi Bros. has a free meeting room at two of their locations.  OH is going to train me to be a support group leader, but the training won't be until February.  So, I can't hold any official meetings until then.  But, I am planning on having a group open to anyone, with guest speakers, product samples, and the whole nine yards. 

Dr. Searles did my surgery on 11/11.  I didn't know he was having a support group meeting on 1/29.  I've called a couple of times to talk to him, and  he hasn't returned my call on topic.  Dr. Searles is very competent, just quiet and not much organized after care.  You have to ask him lots of questions.  Many other doctors in town told me he would be there preferred surgeon.  I have absolutely no problems, so far.  

I am also going to start an online store so that we can get products without the high shipping costs, here.   

i would totally like to have a Support Group.. i know that dr todd has one coming up and dr searles has one the 29th of jan..... but im used to going to meetings every week.....soo i dont know but ill be having surgery on the 8th of jan with dr searles and im sure i will need to have some support from people who have been where ill be......and i dont know maybe all of us could just meet up at starbucks or something like that during 1 day a week or so....that would be nice.......

I will ask Dr. Searles to come to some meetings (actually I already have, but he hasn't answered me yet), and maybe even some of the surgeons from California and Washington that solicit patients, here.  I will also try to get dieticians, personal trainers and psychologists to come to meetings.  I do know a doctor at the Providence diabetic clinic who wants to get support going for bariatric surgery patients, too, so he'll be someone I contact, as well.  I have also arranged for some of the vitamin and protein companies to send us samples to taste at meetings, etc.  Finally, my daughter is a big soccer player, and practices at the changepoint dome several days a week.  They have a track around the fields, and I walk there while she is practicing.  I am in the process of negotiating a special rate for support group members, so that we could meet up and have an exercise buddy or buddies. 

I think it would be great to get something informal going until OH gets me the formal training.  I know Kaladi Brothers has acations meeting room at 2 of their locations that we could use for free.  We could do lunch time or evening. 

Hi, Ashley.  Welcome to Alaska!  Dr. Todd has support groups, but my surgeon, Dr. Searles, does not.  So, I am doing the training with OH this month, and will have a local group going for the rest of us in February or March.  I can't wait to meet up face to face with some fellow "losers."  I am also working on a website at www.losersbench.info.  

You know I think thats a wonderful idea!! I mean these groups have to start somewhere....And I know myself well enough to know I need that "little birdy" in my ear reminding me to do the right thing.  I mean I know I cheat sometimes, but not over the edge, I'd just like to have the encouragement to not cheat at all!LOL   I have tons of excellent info from my surgeon at Ft. Bragg that I got pre and post op to be sucessful. I would love to pass that on to others. I think most people that fail do so because they are misinformed prior to surgery.  Does anyone you speak to see a nutritionist affiliated with bariatric surgery?

You know, I'll do whatever you need me to, to get things going. I have to work all week, and we are getting ready for deployment, but I can do something.  We can brain-storm it.   How many people are interested on here?