New support group at Baptist

Hi everyone, Just wanted to let you know our good news.  The WLS support group at Baptist has had a baby!!!  We will split the group into pre-op and post ops for the first hour, then for the last half hour will go back together to have a general discussion with the pre-op patients. I will be the facilitator for the meetings.  I'm very, very excited about this as it will give me an opportunity to not only get to know all of the great people here, but to continue to learn more about this journey we've all taken on.  I have started the "Leadership" program here on OH and can't wait to share the things I learn with everyone.  There are lots of things that I would like to see happen at these meetings, such as  speakers on various topics, clothing and/or recipe exchanges and all sorts of other things. I'd love to hear suggestions you might have, so bring it on. I'll be sure to post up dates if you all promise to send me ideas of what you would like to have at the meetings. Stay well!! Susan

Hi Susan!  I had a really great time last night at the support group meeting.  I think splitting up for part of the meeting is a good idea.  Not to sure about it being a good idea for having both groups in the same room though, LOL.  I think this will be great because post-ops will be able to have their own time to discuss topics specific to post-ops, and pre-ops will be able to learn and discuss topics dealing with surgery. I am interested in  hearing a nutritionist/dietician speak, when I went to the one with JoBeth from Dr. Gibbs office, I had a great time and really learned a lot of things I didn't know.  I am also all for a clothing exchange! Congrats on starting the leadership program, I hope you do well with that.  If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is the leadership program? 

HI Evelyn, I'm so glad you had a good time Thursday, but happier that you found some new friends from your area. Hopefully it will mean you can come more often! Lauren has been wanting to find a way to address the needs of post ops for a long time, so I hope this works out well for everyone. The leadership program through OH is a series of classes you do by conference call. There are three classes, about 1.5 hours each that teach how to start a group/run a meeting, the different types of WLS, and diet/nutrition.  I'm really looking forward to learning more, not just for the group, but for my own education.  OH offers lots of "perks" for their leaders such as free OH magazines for the group, access to vendors that give free samples for us to take to our groups, continuing education and free admission to OH events. Take care, Susan

Well I loved the new support group format/setting!  I literally cannot say enough positive things about it. I have only been to 3 support groups as a post-op (September, October & November of this year) and already I was starting to wonder if the only thing I would be doing at support group from now on was answering pre-op's questions.  Now I KNOW that won't be the only thing I will be doing.   Now I will be going to support group wondering what I will learn, not what I will teach someone else.  Not that I mind sharing my experience with pre-ops:  I could do that for a few hours once a month.  But I want to go to a support group where I will learn something too and now I can. I loved the idea of plastic surgeon lectures, etc.  I also loved the idea of Q & A sessions/lectures with nutritionists regarding long-term nutrional requirements.  (I don't know about any of you, but I could spend an hour or so with a NUT and not get through with everything I want to ask, etc.)  I even heard someone mention something about venders.  Wow.  I am so excited that I had to wait a couple of days to post this just so I could be calm enough to put into words what I'm thinking/feeling.  I literally LOVED the new format. Susan, I think that you will do fantastic as our leader.  You are always so supportive of everyone and an inspiration to all.  I do not envy how hard you will have to work on this because I am sure that there is a lot more hard-behind-the-scenes work that goes into this than any of us realize (getting speakers lined up, confirmed, etc).  But I know that you are up to the task and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us.   I look forward to support groups 2008 and cannot wait to see all of you there!   Wendy

Hi Susan.  I had lapband by Dr. Gibbs two weeks ago.  Is this a group for me as well or just RNY?  Sorry, I'm new to this board and haven't learned the ins and outs of it yet - so if I sound stupid .... well, I'll just sound stupid! 

Hi Linda, Yep, this is the place to be!  I'm a pt of Dr Gibbs too, but hand RNY 14 months ago. We're all in  the same boat sailing down the WLS river, so welcome.  Believe me, no one needs to feel stupid here, we're all here to learn from each other. Our next support group meeting at Baptist will be the second Thursday in January.   Sure hope to see you there so we can get to know you better. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. If you want, you can PM me with your questions. Take care, your journey has just begun!

Hi Everyone.  I really would like to attend the January Meeting.  I there a calendar or schedule.  Sorry I am new here also.  Looking forward to meeting everyone.