I'm a Rookie

Hello All, My name is Dan. I am new here and very excited to see a place to go for good advice and support. I have gone through all of my pre-op work. I am getting Gastric Bypass at Saint Francis. I just need the Endoscopy with the surgeon on 2/9 and I am tentatively scheduled for surgery on 4/4. I live in East Hartford and I work late on Tuesdays and have not been able to get to the Tuesday night support meetings at Saint Francis. Does anyone know of any other support groups in the greater Hartford Area or East of the River? Thanx, Dan

Hi Dan, and welcome! You'll find some very friendly people here with a wealth of knowledge to share... Middlesex Hospital has a support group on Mon nights...here's their schedule. There are a lot of Dr Aranow's patients there, but it is open to all regardless of who their surgeon is/was. Read what each week's meeting has to offer to see if you can attend. The 3rd week is for post ops only. And the 1st Monday is for Dr Aranow's pre ops that need to meet with the dietitician and psych. It's a required meeting for his patients, but I'm sure you could go and maybe get something out of it. Paula Middlesex Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE ***AS OF JULY 1st, 2006*** Monday Evenings: 1st Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Pre-Operative Information Session (required session for those who have not completed surgery, with Liz Archamault, dietitian, and Kimberly Daniels, psychologist) 2nd Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: General Pre and Post-Op Support Group (For anyone who has or has not had surgery or who is researching the procedure) 3rd Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Post-Op Only Support Group General Support Group for patients who have completed the surgery only (Sorry, no pre-ops allowed) 4th Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Post-Op Panel Presentation (In-depth personal experiences presented by post-op patients) 5th Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: (If applicable) General Pre and Post-Op Support Group (For anyone who has or has not had surgery or who is researching the procedure) *All support groups are held at the North 1 Conference Room at Middlesex Hospital. **Note: There will be NO meetings on major holidays, such as Memorial and Labor Day. *The information discussed at these meetings is personal. Please be respectful of other support group members by maintaining their confidentiality. **If weather is inclement, please refer to WFSB Channel 3, and WTIC AM/FM for cancellation announcements.

Hi Dan, Welcome to the CT board. Congrats on your tenative surgery date! You are right. This is a great place too come for good advice and support. Looking forward to sharing your journey here and adding your advice and support to the mix. Good luck, Terri

Welcome to the CT board Dan. You will find many friendly people here who are willing to help you or just listen if that is what you need. I wish I could help you with local meetings but my surgeon was in Fairfield so I only know of those meetings. Good luck on your journey and keep us informed! Nancy K

Hi Dan and welcome. I don't post much since I have nothing to share much of the time. (read my profile or the post stupid hubby and you will know why) The people here are great and can help you in almost anyway.

Welcome, Dan. Sorry you can't make the meetings at Saint Francis. I know that Hartford Hospital has meetings too but they are on Tuesdays also. Go to any that are convenient for you. Best of luck to you on your journey. Sher

Hi Dan, Welcome to our board. You will find a lot of people on here willing to help as you start your "Journey", so feel free to ask any questions you have. Best of Luck and hope to see you on the board, Take Care,

Welcome aboard rookie! Tammy

Thanx Everyone for your replies. I look forward to talking to all of you along the way. Dan