New to this forum

Hi everyone I'm still a pre-op and have been posting on the "over 50' form" since April. I've been lurking here on this board for a couple of months and thought it was time that I pop in and say hi, especially since I'm from Florida. I don't have a date yet but if all goes well I'm hoping for the end of Oct. I've learned a lot of things since finding OH and one of them is, to be successful long term, it helps to belong to a support group. As far as I know there isn't a support group here in Gainesville. Does anyone know of one in this area? Well I'm glad to be here, and I'd like to get to know you. Sharon

Hi Sharon, and welcome!!!

Sharon, I know there are Bariatric surgeons in Gainesville, try calling their offices and see if they have support group info. Often times, you can attend even before you have surgery. I have brought people considering surgery to some support group meetings and it has been very enlightening for them. Good luck with your approval and don't continue to be a lurker now that you stepped out from the shadows. Amy

Sharon, welcome to the board and to what surgeon are you planning to go? I know there are many support groups in Ocala and that's not so far to drive and I bet there are groups in Gainesville, too! Jan 240/126/130 (goal adjusted due to excessive, protruding ribs!)

Good morning K, Amy and Jan, Thank you all for the warm welcome. Jan, you asked what surgeon I am going to. I am going to Atlanta because my ins. is with Kaiser. Kaiser is an HMO and you have to use their facility unless its an emergency. The closest facility is in Atlanta. Thanks Amy for the suggestion of calling a local doctor about support groups, that made me also think about calling the hospital. They may know of one too. I would like to come to Ocala some time but with the price of gas these days's it's not something I could do on a regular basis. I know OH does not have a support group here so I've contacted them about getting one started in this area. How do I find out about the times and location's of meetings in Ocala? I would like to meet some of you sometime. Do you all ever get together for lunch or dinner? Sharon

Sharon, I don't know of anyone who meets for lunch. There's a support group that meets in the Health Department on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. and Dr. Jawad has a support group that meets the last Thursday of the month at the West Marion Medical Building, adjacent to the hospital, on the second floor at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Overcash has a support group also, that meets at Ocala Regional, but I don't know the time or date. Maybe in my travels today I will pick up that information for you! I'm in healthcare and haven't been to the good doctor's office in a while. Jan 240/126/130 (goal adjusted due to excessive protruding ribs!)

Thanks for the info Jan, I may show up at some of these if there is nothing closer. But I'll hang out here on the board too. Sharon

Welcome Sharon! It's great to have you here on the FL Board!!! Wishing you a successful journey, Erika L

Thank you Erika, I look forward to getting to know all of you. Sharon