TAMPA or ORLANDO, even inbetween, I don't care!!!

Just get me to a support group that I can relate to!!!  Both locations will take me about 1-1/2 hours to get to but if they are good groups it will be worth the drive.  I tried a local support group in Ocala but that didn't work for me.  I plan on leaving my house late afternoon with DH, going to dinner then on to the support group, so if you can help me out I would really appreciate any information you can supply me.  Because we are new to Florida (from NJ) its been difficult to find support in my area.  There was a time that I would go to as little as one but as many as four meetings in a month and I sure miss that as well as need it.  I had lap RNY 13 months ago and lost 84 lbs.  My surgeon expects that I can lose another 20-25 lbs. but to date I have been at a plateu for approx. 3 months.  So I must be doing something wrong?  Looking forward to hearing from many of you on the FL board who have been so successful.

Welcome to FL, Connie :)  I relocated from Philly to Tampa 4 years ago.  The only support group meetings I am aware of in Tampa are held at Tampa General Hospital and they are once a month.  They are specifically for post op people.  I think that meeting is the 3rd Monday of each month.  You can call 813-844-7473 and find out when the next meeting is.  I am still pre-op and am scheduled for 4/9/08 so you will see me at those meetings starting either in April or May. Good luck!  BTW, you look awesome so keep up the good work! Jodi

Thanks Jodi, this is very helpful. Regards and good luck on your upcoming surgery.  Hope we will be able to meet each other.

Hi Connie. Welcome to Florida!  My name is Monica Ramos, and I am a support group leader for The Weight's Over of Central Florida (WOCF), an Orland-based WLS support group.  We have a meeting this Wed., March 26th at 7:00 PM at the Herndon Library (4324 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL  32803).  All pre- and post-op patients and their support members are welcome and encouraged to attend. We also have an on-line forum you can join for free at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TWOCF/.  For more information, please feel free to e-mail me at: [email protected]. Thanks, Monica

Thanks for the info.  I am going to try and come Wednesday.  Is it okay for my DH to attend, he is the driver but most of all he is my biggest supporter!

Bring anyone you'd like - all are welcome. I hope to meet you soon! ~ Monica

Welcome Connie, Tampa General support meeting @ 2 Columbia Dr. Tampa Fl 33606.  Meetings are held next 04/10/08 @ 6:30pm in the Rehab. dept. just ask for directions at the front desk, also you will have to pay for parking just a heads up.  I just changed to Dr. Muir as my surgeon and went to a support meeting this month it was great, will be there 04/10/08.  Hope to see you there. Shae

Thank you for the information.  I am in the middle of moving into our new home so I don't know if I'll be able to make the meeting, however, my NJ surgeon did recommed Dr. Muir for followup.  Does he ever attend the meetings?  I would love to attend, but, as you know (or don't know) this is a 2-hour drive for me.  If I cannot make this meeting, I will definitely try for the next.  Please keep me informed as to the scheduled dates.  Again, thanks.

Hello, Meeting are held the second thursday of each month at 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  Dr. Murr usually attends the new orientation sessions, but no the group meetings that I know of.  Hope to see you soon.  Again the  next meeting is this thursday at 04/10/08 @6:30pm Shae