Where is everyone???

Whats the deal this is really a quiet board. So I guess I will start. I just moved to Scott City I was in Garden for a couple of months but I moved to Garden from Amarillo. I had my surgery in Wichita Falls TX by the most wonderful doctor. Does anyone know if there is a support group in the southwest part of the state? I thought there was a WLS Dr in Liberal or Garden but I didnt see any listed, has anyone used any in this area or does everyone go away to have surgery. Just curious here. Well I hope everyone is doing great on this gloomy day and lets get talking!!! Sharla 317 to 171

We're LURKING!!!!! Welcome to Ks...you will find this board pretty quiet unless someone gets us goin'. I had my surgery 2yrs ago in Junction City, Ks. When was your surgery??? At one time I think there was a surgeon in Garden but I'm not too sure there was ever a support group. I run one here in Hutchinson. If you ever felt like a road trip I'd love to have ya!! BIG HUGS Deanna K 444/233/19? 32wks Preggers ITS A GIRL!!!!

Hey Deanna Congrats on the Girl that is AWESOME!! I had my RNY on 4/2/03 but I had a VBG back in 2000 that failed. I am still driving to Amarillo once a month for our support group I had started there. I was hoping there was one a little closer. I am a true believer in the support group. I feel personally if I think I am doing fine and just coast that I will go back to old habits and gain all that I have lost. That is why I started the Amarillo group I try to keep the surgery at the front of my brain. If i get up towards Hutch I will check on that support group it would be great to see what goes on in other groups. Is there a big WLS population in that area? Do you have a big turn out at your meetings? We usually have 15-17 people and that is a great size meeting. I know the Dr has one down by Wichita Falls and they have like 100 people there. I think I would get lost in that kind of a crowd. Anyways it was great meeting you and maybe we can get some people chatting here. Sharla

I'm totally with you on the support front of this WLS...it's soooo important. It really keeps me in check and I enjoy helping the others. I'm pretty much the "old timer" in my group and we usually have anywhere from 5 to 15 in the meetings...it's REALLY informal and we just basically talk about whats happening with us on and off the WLS topic. Whats sad is that we really have a LARGE WLS population in our area...just not many participants...I'm sure you've seen it, once they stop coming things go on a down hill slide for some...it really makes me sad. BUT I can't drag 'em to meetings. Anyway...keep up the good work in Amarillo...hope to talk to you more... Deanna K

Hey Deanna I know what you mean about the big WLS population and not that many coming to the meetings. We have over 35 signed up saying they would come but just about the 15 show up. Then there are the ones that are coasting and think they can do this without the support. They are the ones that break my heart because they are going to come crashing down and hopefully someone will be there with the support to pick them up. This journey is too hard to just coast the whole way. it isnt like you can just talk to anyone about this, most people dont understand what it is that we have done and cant relate to it. It is so good to talk to someone with the same expierences and feelings. I hope you have a wonderful day!!! Sharla

Hi Sharla, I am in Dodge City and we do not have a support group here. I was told they have a group in Garden City. I have thought about attending it..its only about an hour away from Dodge City..the Dr.'s name that does the surgery in Garden is Dr. Rink. I had surgery Dec. 22, 03 in Junction City and its just to far for me to drive there for a meeting..its about 3 1/2 hours from me. The meetings are great and they give me so much support I would love to find one to attend. At this point I am really needing some support from others that are closer by me. I have lost 130 pounds and the scale seems to be in a dead STOP and its just driving me nuts. Not many people here in this area have had GBS so a lot of my friends really don't understand what I am dealing with. I hope we can find a support group or maybe we can get one up and going..if you are interested let me know because I am really wanting/needing this support. You have done great with your weight loss. Congrats!!! Keep up the wonderful work...its a great feeling isn't it to be so much lighter...kinda like a dream come true for me Michelle Mejia Open RNY 12/22/04 -125

Hey there Michelle Thanks for the information I called Dr Rink's office and they have a support group on the 3rd Wed which is 10/20/04 at 7 at St Catherines Hospital in classroom A. YEEEEE HAWWWW now i am wondering why she isnt listed in under the Dr on this websight? WOW 130 pounds lost isnt that wonderful You really are doing great too. Dont you just love this tool we have. Maybe the support group will give you the boost to get past your 130 but I think you are doing great we all hit plateaus and sometimes just by increasing your water intake or maybe an extra 30 min walk will get you moving again. I am so excited about this support group I hope you can make it. Talk to you soon. Sharla

Hey Michelle...YOU are doing soooo GREAT!!! Don't get discouraged...we all hit those little stops along the way...take a good look at what you're doin'...it really might be as simple as upping your calories a bit or changing your workout routine. I've been watching your progress when you update...you really are doing FABULOUS!!! I'm glad you're feeling sooo good!!! BIG HUGS, Deanna K

Hi Deanna, What would this board do without you around here??? You are so supportive of everyone..it really helps when I know other people are interested in my progress. I just want to tell you "Thank you" . You have really helped me out a lot....before and after surgey. I hope you are feeling good and everything is going good for you. Thanks for all of the good advice...I really appreciate it. I hope one of these days I can make it to your support group meeting. I am sure it would be very helpful. Hey, by-the-way...how is your friend..Sharon?? She also gave me lots of support and I never see her on here ...anyhow keep in touch and take care. Until next time, Michelle Mejia Dodge City, Ks