New Graduate Group has formed

There is a new Graduate WLS group for those who are on year post-op. We also have a yahoo group set up to facilitate communication between the monthly meetings. First Meeting: The first meeting will be AUGUST 6th at 8 a.m. at the Chandler Fashion Mall (south of Chandler Blvd and west of the 101/Price Road). Meet on the 2nd floor by the Dillard's entrance. We will have a short meeting and introductions (there are sofas there), go for a mall walk (air conditioned!) and then go to breakfast at Wildflower (directly below the Dillard's gathering location). Additional Information: WHO: This group is for all individuals who have had a weight loss surgery. It is specifically for those who are 1 YEAR post-op or more and desire to stay on their program track; or need support getting back on track. It does NOT matter which surgeon or program you started with or whether or not you are at goal or ever reached goal. All are welcome to participate in supporting and teaching others or in receiving that support and learning new (and old) ways to improve our quality of life on this lifelong journey! WHAT: A support group for those who are entering the end of their "honeymoon phase" of weight loss; following a weight loss surgery of some type. It will specifically be for those who are at least 1 YEAR post-op who will meet together to exercise (as voted on as a majority) and give ideas to one another for succeeding in the WLS journey for a lifetime. There will be no discrimination of anyone who is having troubles, or who is not at goal or who is not exercising. There will be encouragement from everyone towards behavior modification, personal image issues, self esteem issues as well as fun exchanges of healthy recipes, exercise tips, reconstructive surgery tips, and all things involved in the lifetime quest for good health and a body we can be proud of! WHEN: This support group will meet once a month on a Saturday morning at 8 a.m.(unless a specific event dictates another day or time; like a festival, hike or race, etc.) to walk together and (courses and lengths will be determined by the monthly facilitator) to meet together before or following that walk for a 1 hour support group. We will meet on a quarterly basis at a restaurant to enjoy support and breakfast together either following a walk or in lieu of the walk (as that month's facilitator chooses). HOW MUCH: The cost of the support group will be uniqiue to the situation. There is NOT a set meeting place and so it may be necessary on occasion to have a fee for the meeting place (i.e. restaurant, museum, event, etc.) WHERE: The location of the monthly gathering will be determined 1 month prior by the group or by the individual who will be facilitating. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AZGRADSOFWLS/ for our online support. This group is not intended to replace the support that you find on OH, but to augment it with access to others in the metro-Phoenix area who share the same journey and same concerns. We are looking forward to getting to know each of you as you become a GRADUATE.