??'s about walk from obesity

Hi, I wasn't able to do last year's walk because I was discharged from the hospital that day. I have questions about it. Do people bring their families? Do the kids walk too? How long is the walk? (miles/hours) Would it be better to leave the kids at home? Is it mass confusion there or is it organized? Do the people tend to walk with their doctor's group, or in their own groups? I'm shy at first when I don't know people. (YES, I AM!) I've never met anyone in person from this board or from Dr Aranow's/Middlesex's support group. It's easy for me to chat it up when I don't have to be face to face, but, in reality, when I have to go somewhere and don't know anyone, I freeze and panic. (I've had panic disorder for almost all my life.) I don't want to get all worried over this walk, and I want to really do it. If I can keep the kids at home so they're not whining the entire day and I can actually ENJOY myself, I will try to get a sitter. How many hours is it? Will some of you promise to buddy up and introduce yourselves to me so that I don't feel socially isolated? (See, Kathy K, I deal with the same feelings you do!) Bob may have the day off, I'm not sure. He changes days off on his shift every four months and I'm not sure if he'll have Sat's off in Sept. He's my pillar to lean on at most things! Thanks for letting me vent. And, please, give me details on what to expect that day! I hate nerves! paula

I'm taking the day off from work to walk- you better get your skinny little buttocks there and walk with me. I'll bring the Xanax.

First off- you DO know us!! AND, more importantly, WE KNOW YOU!! So, you're NOT going to be alone. It seems hard for me to believe we've NEVER met. I feel like we have. (with the exception of the fact that I no longer recognize your face! LOL) It's relatively organized, but not militantly so... some people bring families, some dont. If you will have more fun without- then leave the little darlings home! have some time for yourself. It doesn't take all that long to do the walk...I think it was like 45 minutes last year... but afterward and before people stand around and socialize. I PROMISE that when I see you, I'll run up and say hello. In fact, I'm sure we all will. We really do try to meet people at this stuff. It's ot a socially isolating experience at all. Stand around and SOMEBODY is going to talk to you- no matter weather you like it or not! LOL. Don't fret Paula. We'll be there for you. Come and enjoy! Best, Lisa C

P.S. Regarding the 45 minutes- I'm not really SURE on that estimate. I was two days post op from PS and on Percoset...so it only seemed like 45 minutes...but then again, it may have taken longer... LOL.

Hey Paula, we're family here. Bring the kids if you want. The walk isn't that long. something like 3 k if I remember. I hadn't met anyone from the board in person before and had a great time! So worry not young Lady! You will not be alone! Hope to see you there! Take Care, !

Hey Paula Are you coming to L M hospital support group on August 16th to support Dr Aranow speaks there? Lisa C and I will be there and I will find you and introduce myself to you there. I hope Terri will come too. So you will be fine at Walk for Obesity . We are big family and I will introduce you to all people I know and you will have blast time there! I will come myself for Walk for Obesity Hope you can come both of this WINK! Hugs Kathy K

I am coming to the Aug. meeting at L&M - will see you and hopefully Terri as well. Paula if you come, you will know who we are and if not, we will make sure we find you - it is usually a relatively small group so we can't help but meet!! Hugs Nancy K

Joanne and I will be there also. Peter

Hey Paula, Dont worry its a breeze. Some of us bring friends, family and significant others. I bring my 12yr old daughter Erin. Its a great group of people and everyone makes you feel welcome. Even some of the doctors are there too. I will be there, along with Kathy K., Julio, Maryjo, Carla M. Lisa C and alot of others from our family here on the boards. It alot of fun and we all enjoy eachothers company. Its at Hammonasset State Park and its 3 miles along the shore. Its a beautiful spot and they have two pavilions they use for displays, signup, you get a tshirt. And sometimes the sponsors give out samples too. Its a great day to get to know everyone and make new friends too along with meeting all the old ones you talk to here on the boards. So come, have fun and dont worry about anything, we are all in this together my dear. Please make sure you come, I would love to meet you too. Hugs KimC