UConn Support Group

Hi Everyone! I wanted to let you all know about Kim and my meeting with Dr. Giles the other day. He did both mine and Kim's surgery last year. We talked about our support group meetings. Dr. G wanted both of our input on the topics. Then he convinced Kim to agree show us all how to navigate the web sites she always shares with us here and get samples of free protein products. Kim is also the one that sends us our weekly high protein recipes we've come to know and love. Cathy S. is going to take another month and show us all how to dress for less as we are losing. (she always looks so nice) I am going to talk to the group about my own experience in May and then Dr. Giles is going to hold an educational program once every 3 months. I went to one and it really helped me with my decision to have this surgery. He covered all the different types of surgery, the risks, benefits and answers all your questions. Knowledge is power, especially with this changing surgery. It isn't easy, but it sure it worth it! If anyone is interested in coming to our next support group being held in March 8th at 6:30? Right Kim?? We would love to have you. We will be having an exercise expert (groan) at this one. Please feel free to Email me at [email protected] and I will be happy to give you directions. I hope I'm right on the date and time. I can't wait to meet some of you in March with Kathy B. We will have a blast!

Yes, March 8th at 6:30 pm is the correct date and time for the support group meeting. I agree, our meeting with Dr. Giles went great. Its so nice to have a doctor who takes the time out of his terribly busy schedule to find out what his patients think about his program. When my husband and I first met Dr. Giles we were so impressed with the amount of time that he spent with us anwering our questions, informing us, and listening to US. It is a rare find these days to find a doctor who cares enough to take the time to do this. I think that the upcoming monthly support group meetings as well as the quarterly educational programs about gastric bypass are going to be great and I'm looking forward to them all. Anyone who is interested is welcome... its always nice to see all the new faces every month at the support group. And there are always quite a few new faces along with us old post-ops. LOL Now I've got to get back to work on those recipes. LOL

Hi Cheryl. I am awake in the middle of the night as I can't sleep with my impending surgery looming (Monday, March 8th). My surgeon is Dr. Aranow out of Middlesex Hospital. However, I live in Hampton and noticed with interest your note about the UConn support group meetings. Once I am post-op, I would really like to join your group. Does it matter that my surgeon is not local? Please let me know. I am so afraid of something going wrong; not so much for myself -- I've had a pretty wonderful life. But I have 2 kids, 10 and almost 16, and an incredible husband. I can't even think about what my death would do to them. Did you have these feelings? Do you have any regrets? Thanks so much for listening. Maureen

Maureen, We would LOVE for you to come to the support group meeting. We can talk more there. We will have name tags on so you can recognize Kim and I. Believe it or not, the closer I got to surgery the calmer I became. It just seemed like I had such trust in God and my surgeon that I would be ok. I hope this happens for you. It is a huge decision and you need to feel confident that you are saving your life, not ending it. Try to focus on all the things you'll be able to do post op that may help also. Simple things like crossing your legs or walking up a flight of stairs without becoming winded are huge things for us. If you'd like directions, please email me at [email protected] and I will send them to you. See you next week! Cheryl

Cheryl, thanks for your wonderful note. I am absolutely certain that I am doing the right thing. Unfortunately I will not be able to come to the meeting next week as it falls on the day of my surgery! As soon as I get back on my feet, I would love to meet everyone there. Yes, by all means please send directions. Thanks. Maureen