support meetings

I also have a question regarding support meetings. Do you normally start going to meetings before or after surgery? I still have to wait 2 more weeks before my first consult on 7/11 but thought I'd ask anyway. I wasn't sure if I should at least wait until after my consult, because believe me, I love food too much and need as much support as I can get. I'm just afraid that after the surgery I would be one of the ones who can eat anything and that would defeat the purpose. As I see it anyway. If I should start soon when and where are the meetings. I know I read somewhere that they are $5 each, which isn't a problem, but I didn't know when and where. Beth

Hi Beth! Welcome to the journey! Yes, anyone can come to the meetings and anytime you start is good. The 'PMRI' meetings are at the Preventative Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Rts 52 & 100? It's in the old Pellport building if that helps!? Valerie

Thanks for the info, can you tell me what days and times? Or is there a phone number to call? Just need the info for now, I'll get something set up at home so I can maybe start attending. Thanks again. Beth

Beth, Start to go as soon as you can. You can find out loads of information to help you make the decision regarding Weight Loss Surgery to make sure sure it is the right one for you. Print the list out and save it. Only the dates might change. So call the contact's for exact info or ask and someone will answer. PMRI is the only 1 that charges. Some ask for donations to give to the church. If you sign up for the PMRI program, the fees include meetings for an extended period of time. I think 3 to 5 yrs. So don't pay twice. ((HUGS)) Elissa List of Mtg with contacts & phone nimbers. WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS ? PMRI (Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute) When: Varies Location: PMRI-Christiana Care Route 52 and Route 141 Wilmington, Delaware Contact: 302.661.3000 ? NDE-WLS (North Delaware-Weight Loss Surgery) When: First Monday of Every Month Time: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm Location: Peniel United Methodist Church, Newport, Delaware Contact: Barb Malatesta Phone: 302.836.4192 E-mail: [email protected] ? HEALTHY BEGINNINGS When: Second Thursday of Every Month Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Location: Concordia Lutheran Church 3003 Silverside Road Wilmington, Delaware Contact: Nicki Zimmerman-Manero Phone: 610.322.8282 E-mail: [email protected] ? NEW BEGINNINGS When: Second Thursday of Every Month (subject to change) Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Location: 931 Boxwood (Gardenside) Smyrna, Delaware Contact: Ginger Barkley Phone: 302.653.5971 E-mail: [email protected] ? CHANGING LIVES When: Third Thursday of Every Month Time: 6:30 pm Location: VA Hospital, Elsmere, Delaware Contact: Jane Walker Phone: 443.907.2574 E-mail: [email protected] ? ST. FRANCIS BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP When: Varies Time: 6:00 pm-7: 30 pm Location: St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware Contact: Maryellen Sparks Phone: 302.421.4121

Thank you very much Elissa, that was very helpful. I will definitely check them out. Any suggestions on which one to go to, there are so many to choose from. I guess the one that's closest to me would be best. (Silverside Rd?) Thanks soooo much. You truly are the best, each and every one of you for all your help. Beth

Beth, IMHO, I think going to the meeting even before your docs appointment could be very beneficial. It may allow you the opportunity to see/hear something you may have not considered. And since it is before you meet with the doc, you can easily question them with your concern. I also feel it helps to hear all sides when making decisions as important as WLS. About which meeting would be the best ... I can not speak from experience because I have only been to the PMRI meetings. But I hear from my friends that they are all absolutely great meetings. Each group has a bit of a different "flavor" (if you will). I am sure that any you choose to go to will be time well spent. Why not check out the ones that you think you may be interested in and see what fits the best. BTW - there is no rule that says you can't go to ALL of them if you wish!!! If you go to PMRI sometime, look me up. I always love meeting our message board friends in person. Hugs, Tammy

Beth, PMRI is geared for the Newbie and postie as well. Good information for everyone. I have been going for 2 years. My surgery was in Jan 04. Healthy Beginnings on Silverside Road is geared for the Postie that is 6 months out plus, however, we encourage everyone to come. I have also attended Changing Lives at the VA and NDE/WLS in Newport. Each meeting is different but the common thread is Us and the information is all usefull for our journey's. So don't limit yourself. Spread your wings and try them all. Elissa

** New Beginnings Support Group ** Our meetings will now be held at the following location starting the 2nd Thursday in July and every 2nd Thursday of the month, meetings will start at 7 p.m. (It is roughly 2 miles north of my house, just off Rt. 13, Near the Wawa. For those of you that have previously attending the meeting at my house) Smyrna Church of Christ 1630 Joe Goldsborough Rd Smyrna, DE 19977 Church phone # (302) 653-4556 Go to http://www.mapquest.com for directions See you all July 14th @ 7:00 p.m. Thanks, Ginger Barkley Home # (302) 653-5971

Please join us July 14 at Concordia Church. More the marrier. I have to say tonight was my first meeting at St. Francis and it was great! They did a great job. Keep posted for the July meeting at St. Francis. I always like PMRI meetings too. I guess I have to agree with Tammy they all add their own flavorings. Try them all and see what works for you! Nicki

Elissa, Thanks for the info. I had lap band surgery two years ago (6/10/03) and have been dying for a support group. Until your post, I didn't know there was anything other than the PMRI meetings. Karen Ventresca