I am in the process of moving to Great Lakes and have a few questions

My husband has been stationed at Naval Base in Great Lakes and we are moving there in 3 short days. I am looking so forward to the move from Norfolk, VA to Illinois. But I have a few questions. I am 8 months post op and I was wondering if anyone knew of a supposrt group close to the naval base OR if the naval hospital holds support groups. Also I read about the ObesityHelp Convention coming to Chicago on September 11th. I am VERY interested in going, could some one possibly give me directions from the naval base to where it is going to be? And my last question is does anyone know if the wls is done at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital? I had mine done at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and I hate leaving my surgeon. I was just wondering if there was someone that I could see that has an understanding about the surgery. Well, I know I asked alot of questions and I look forward to hearing from anyone and I look forward to living in Great Lakes.

Jeannie I wish I could help you with all your questions but I'm near St. Louis so I cant help much, but I am sure the area has lost of help for you. I would like to say HOWDY! welcome to Illlinois or as I call it Illianoise LOL Hope your trip is a safe one!!! Debby

Thank you for the warm welcome. I am was born and raised in Indiana so I am familiar with the area and I can't wait to get there.

Dr. Leslie McClellan out of Vernon Hills has a great program. Her office staff (except for Corrine of course!) leaves something to be desired. I recall hearing they might charge to be a part of the support group so you will want to check it out. www.lakebariatric.com I think they changed the OH Convention in IL so when it gets a definate, I will be more than happy to give you directions. I used to live up in those parts! Melissa

Thank you for responsing to my many questions. I am grateful. I am really looking forward to the OH Convention regardless of when it is.

Welcome to Chicago! There is a great support group that meets right there in Glenview on the second Thursday of every month. It is held at the Park Center at 2400 Chestnut at 7:00pm. Karen Thomas, an RN who went through her own procedure 3 years ago and has lost and kept off over 200 pounds, serves as the moderator. She is the Bariatric Coordinator for Dr. Constantine Frantzides (my very own doc), but the group is open to all pre- and post-ops regardless of surgeon or type of bariatric surgery. You can get more info by going to www.enh.com and clicking on "Clinical Services", then "Bariatric Services" and then "support group". There you will find a calendar of their various support groups. Welcome once again, and I hope to see you at the August meeting.

Thank you so much Richard! I will be looking forward to attending the meeting. It's hard to leave behind the wonderful supposrt system that I have here but I think I will be alright as long as I go to support groups and my doctor. Can't wait to be in Great Lakes. Only a day and a half left!