weight loss surg. support groups in CT???

Hi all-  I was banded by Dr. Aranow last September- I have a hard time getting to his support group meetings because thay are on Monday's and I work almost every monday night.  Does anyone have info on a group that meets at any other time?  At this point I am ready to try and form my own informal support group with people from southern CT because I SOOO miss the support and such.  Any thoughts/info???
Thanks- Laura.

There used to be one at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London that I've been to once or twice...you can call the main info line and find out.  Or maybe someone on this board still knows when it is.

I know that mon's are hard for me, too.  I think they have a group at Yale, or St Raphael's too.

Paula

Hi Laura,

Yale has one the 1st Tuesday of the month.  Maybe someone else knows what time and where? Also Prospect has one the 1st Thursday of the month at the Library from 6:30 to 8pm.  Hope I helped!

Laura,

although I am planning on attending Dr Bell's group at Yale this month...I hate driving into New Haven and have thought about trying to get a group together on the shore--if we can generate enought interest...I would be up for a support group...we could start simply by meeting at say Starbucks in Guilford..and see how many show up??? would you like to try and get something together?  I would be up for helping!

Yes- I would definately be up to trying to start up an informal group- I really like the support I get at the meetings, although I find the meetings at Middlesex tough sometimes, because there are 90% pre-ops there and few post ops (at least the meetings I went to).  I would love to pick a date/time and just put it out there and see who shows- nothing to lose right?  Only request......is there anywhere we can meet other than starbucks?  God, I hate their coffee- it's SOOO bitter!!!  If thats where everyone wants to meet, I'll still go- I'm bringing my crystal light though!!!

I agree regarding the Starbucks coffee...I was just thinking it is new and the lobby is big and comfy....I have a few friends from this site in the Branford area....that I am sure would go...we could decided on a date and time and put it out there...it would be wonderful....as I am a year out now...and although I can't eat a lot in one sitting...I can eat anything..which is dissappointing...when I went for my one year appt..Jane--who is a RNY patient herself...gave me a good lashing...she said I have to get on the eliptical machine...for a least 5 minutes a day..and build from there..so I am trying...that machine is very difficult..and hurts ....but I am trying...

so ... lets pick a date and time...and put it out there...we can send notes to anyone in the area...right?

Hi Laura,

I would love to attend an informal support group closer to home.  I like the meetings in Middletown but I hate paying for the gas.  I can meet any time except for Tuesdays.  If it were up to me, I'd rather meet closer to here.  Maybe in Westbrook or Clinton, at the farthest.  Aranow's office did a survey about a shoreline meeting but nothing came of it.  I'd be happy to look for places to meet...some ideas include the YMCA in Westbrook, a library, the beach (during the summer), the park and rec (in OS- do they left groups use it?)....let me know.

Jen

You know we could meet at Hammonassett...one night...you can get in for free after 6pm...and depending on who shows up...we can work on a new location....I can do any night but Wednesday....and Laura can't do Mondays...and I think Kate can't do Tuesdays...so how about Thursday...either August 14th or August 21st??? thinking a couple weeks out so that we can email all those folks on the members list that might be interested....let me know what you all think!

I'm pretty certain that Ed, who had surgery with Dr. Bell has a shoreline group already at Lawrence Memorial?  I'm really not too sure about it, because I'm up here in East Windsor, and I travel to the Yale meeting (when I go, which has been ages).

I'd hate to see you ladies start something up when the leg work has already been done for you.  I'm sure if you contacted Dr. Bell's office, they could tell you about the support group.

Hope this helps,
God Bless,
Kathy Bilodeau
RNY 12/3/03
Revision 7/18/08

Hi all- I am totally up for doing this- I think an informal get together/support group is a fantastic idea.  I could be free on Thursday Aug 14th, (son's BD is the 15th...we may go camping) but I am DEFINATELY free and clear on Friday(s) aug 22, 29th.  I work in the ED at Middlesex Hospital, so my schedule changes from week to week- It just so happens I am working every Thursday in August!  Also- I usually CAN NOT do Mondays as I work every Monday night, but I am off this Monday, Aug 4th (I am working over the Weekend) So I know it is short notice, but if anyone wanted to meet up on Monday the 4th, I can do that too!  Just let me know- Hammonassett sounds good-  Someone mentioned park and rec or the library- I could check these places here is Saybrook, I dont know about other towns- does anyone live on the shoreline and know a place where a few people could meet up and chat?