Recent Posts
Topic: RE: support groups?
Mary,
Thank you so much for all those WONDERFUL ideas...those are awsome!
I don't believe for one minute there is such a thing as a "better" support group than another! I believe you are successful as long as your still in it to educate and share with each other..has NOTHING to do with numbers that attend. I'm just there to plant seeds of information , hoping that my fellow WLS'ers will grab ahold of it and learn to apply it at their own pace in order to keep healthy ...long term...NOT just the first few years out...it can be quite a challange as I'm sure you are well aware!
I did contact Debbie a few months ago and never went thru with the process due to my job getting so busy and crazy! I NEED and WANT to do that process, it is SO important for my fellow members that I actually KNOW and understand what I'm trying to communicate ! Thank you for the reminder and encouragement! I will contact Debbie again!
By the way....Vitalady is coming to our neck of the woods this month! June 27th in fact.Would LOVE to have you and your members attend and get acquainted! We will be having a local bariatric doctor and plastic surgeon on hand as well to answer medical and "nip and tuck" education!
I am assuming it will be OK to post that on the site here to advertise it!? Maybe Id better check with someone first! What do you think?
Carol
Thank you so much for all those WONDERFUL ideas...those are awsome!
I don't believe for one minute there is such a thing as a "better" support group than another! I believe you are successful as long as your still in it to educate and share with each other..has NOTHING to do with numbers that attend. I'm just there to plant seeds of information , hoping that my fellow WLS'ers will grab ahold of it and learn to apply it at their own pace in order to keep healthy ...long term...NOT just the first few years out...it can be quite a challange as I'm sure you are well aware!
I did contact Debbie a few months ago and never went thru with the process due to my job getting so busy and crazy! I NEED and WANT to do that process, it is SO important for my fellow members that I actually KNOW and understand what I'm trying to communicate ! Thank you for the reminder and encouragement! I will contact Debbie again!
By the way....Vitalady is coming to our neck of the woods this month! June 27th in fact.Would LOVE to have you and your members attend and get acquainted! We will be having a local bariatric doctor and plastic surgeon on hand as well to answer medical and "nip and tuck" education!
I am assuming it will be OK to post that on the site here to advertise it!? Maybe Id better check with someone first! What do you think?
Carol
Topic: RE: support groups?
Hi, Carol.
In reading your response to Lisa, it sounds like your group is much better than mine! :) I have yet to have a speaker come. We're a small group, so we'll wait to call in speakers.
If you are not an OH-certified support group leader, that's where I'd recommend you begin. It's free, and it lends credibility to you in the eyes of doctors and others in your community, because they see that you are willing to gain ongoing education.
To begin the process, email Debbie Doty at [email protected]. She will let you know what to do. It doesn't take too much time, and, once you're certified, you will have access to the Support Group Leader Board forum here, as well as a library of support group meeting topic information fact sheets and agendas. There are also regular support group meetings for support group leaders via the telephone.
After becoming an OH-certified Support Group Leader, I would encourage you to consider becoming an OH-certified Support Group Leader Coach. Again, it's free, but there is a waiting list, so you might want to put your name on it now. :) Those classes will give you more tools, in helping to support your group's attendees (as well as people right here on OH.com), to help them move forward in their journey to weight loss and health. Both the support group leader and support group leader coaching classes are done via telephone conference calls. I was a bit skeptical, wondering how that phone format would work, but it works surprisingly well.
One fun thing I do at our monthly meeting is something called the Goodie Basket. In a large basket, I put a variety of things: a teaching cd on a weight-loss friendly topic, a diary, a food journal, a book of interest to the weight-loss surgery patient, a weight-loss friendly cookbook, a box of protein bars (or something like that), a Psalms for Surgery cd (for those who desire that comfort before & after WLS), a certificate to redeem for a free subscription to OH Magazine, a Biggest Loser water bottle, a box of Crystal Light, bubble bath, etc. (you get the picture). As people come in to the meeting, they take their little slip, with their name on it, and they put it in the jar. Toward the end of the meeting, I ask someone to draw a name. The person whose name is drawn gets to choose something from the basket. They love it! It's a lot of fun to see what each person chooses. :)
Another thing I do (and I learned this from one of the OH support group for leaders meetings) is to have a folder for each person in the group. The week before the meeting, I put in each person's folder all the handouts for the meeting. When they come in to group, they know to get their folder, pull out the contents, and put the folder back as they leave. That way, it saves all the movement and shuffling of trying to pass out handouts. AND if someone is absent, you don't have to try to get handouts to them. They're already in their folder, when they return. :)
Along with the meeting topic, we take a look at 2 weight-loss friendly recipes. Both are on a handout, and the nutritional info. is included. One of the recipes is there, ready-made, so those who want to can have a taste. The members enjoy that, and they like trying new things at home. We're always looking for new, high-protein recipes, in particular.
Well, that's about all I have in my bag of tricks, so far. The most important thing is that you, as the group leader, be joyful and caring. Everything else will fall into place. :)
If I can answer any other questions, just let me know. I wish you and your group members much success. They're lucky to have you!
Blessings,
Mary
In reading your response to Lisa, it sounds like your group is much better than mine! :) I have yet to have a speaker come. We're a small group, so we'll wait to call in speakers.
If you are not an OH-certified support group leader, that's where I'd recommend you begin. It's free, and it lends credibility to you in the eyes of doctors and others in your community, because they see that you are willing to gain ongoing education.
To begin the process, email Debbie Doty at [email protected]. She will let you know what to do. It doesn't take too much time, and, once you're certified, you will have access to the Support Group Leader Board forum here, as well as a library of support group meeting topic information fact sheets and agendas. There are also regular support group meetings for support group leaders via the telephone.
After becoming an OH-certified Support Group Leader, I would encourage you to consider becoming an OH-certified Support Group Leader Coach. Again, it's free, but there is a waiting list, so you might want to put your name on it now. :) Those classes will give you more tools, in helping to support your group's attendees (as well as people right here on OH.com), to help them move forward in their journey to weight loss and health. Both the support group leader and support group leader coaching classes are done via telephone conference calls. I was a bit skeptical, wondering how that phone format would work, but it works surprisingly well.
One fun thing I do at our monthly meeting is something called the Goodie Basket. In a large basket, I put a variety of things: a teaching cd on a weight-loss friendly topic, a diary, a food journal, a book of interest to the weight-loss surgery patient, a weight-loss friendly cookbook, a box of protein bars (or something like that), a Psalms for Surgery cd (for those who desire that comfort before & after WLS), a certificate to redeem for a free subscription to OH Magazine, a Biggest Loser water bottle, a box of Crystal Light, bubble bath, etc. (you get the picture). As people come in to the meeting, they take their little slip, with their name on it, and they put it in the jar. Toward the end of the meeting, I ask someone to draw a name. The person whose name is drawn gets to choose something from the basket. They love it! It's a lot of fun to see what each person chooses. :)
Another thing I do (and I learned this from one of the OH support group for leaders meetings) is to have a folder for each person in the group. The week before the meeting, I put in each person's folder all the handouts for the meeting. When they come in to group, they know to get their folder, pull out the contents, and put the folder back as they leave. That way, it saves all the movement and shuffling of trying to pass out handouts. AND if someone is absent, you don't have to try to get handouts to them. They're already in their folder, when they return. :)
Along with the meeting topic, we take a look at 2 weight-loss friendly recipes. Both are on a handout, and the nutritional info. is included. One of the recipes is there, ready-made, so those who want to can have a taste. The members enjoy that, and they like trying new things at home. We're always looking for new, high-protein recipes, in particular.
Well, that's about all I have in my bag of tricks, so far. The most important thing is that you, as the group leader, be joyful and caring. Everything else will fall into place. :)
If I can answer any other questions, just let me know. I wish you and your group members much success. They're lucky to have you!
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Topic: RE: support groups?
Mary,
We have just started a new support group in Coffeyville KS and I would LOVE to visit with you on some ideas for getting it up and running!
There are some wonderful resources on here that I have yet to take advantage of, but I would love to visit with other support group leaders as well!!
Carol in Coffeyville
Topic: RE: support groups?
Lisa!
Welcome to SE Kansas!
We have started a new support group in Coffeyville KS! We meet the first Thursday of each month at the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center at 7:00 PM. We are not affilliated with any medical doctor and do not give medical advise...BUT we are VERY progressive on education for proper nutrition, vitamins and what it takes to keep ourselves on that "long term" track of success!!
We would LOVE to have you, we had two new member from Independence attend this week!!
We are losing inches and gaining knowledge!!!!!
Just email me for more infomation or directions!!
PLUS!!!!! Vitalady is coming to Coffeyville on June 27th !!!!!!!! We will also have a bariatric surgeon that is setting up a follow up program for WLS patients in Parsons AND a plastic surgeon that specializes in WLS patients!!! I plan on posting this information on here later today
Carol in Coffeyville
Welcome to SE Kansas!
We have started a new support group in Coffeyville KS! We meet the first Thursday of each month at the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center at 7:00 PM. We are not affilliated with any medical doctor and do not give medical advise...BUT we are VERY progressive on education for proper nutrition, vitamins and what it takes to keep ourselves on that "long term" track of success!!
We would LOVE to have you, we had two new member from Independence attend this week!!
We are losing inches and gaining knowledge!!!!!
Just email me for more infomation or directions!!
PLUS!!!!! Vitalady is coming to Coffeyville on June 27th !!!!!!!! We will also have a bariatric surgeon that is setting up a follow up program for WLS patients in Parsons AND a plastic surgeon that specializes in WLS patients!!! I plan on posting this information on here later today
Carol in Coffeyville
Topic: RE: Looking for a bariatric surgeon in Kansas? I love mine!!!
I have to agree!!!!!! Dr. Berntsin is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!! I love her! I had my DS surgery two weeks ago and am doing wonderful with no complications. I would recommend her to anyone seeking weightloss surgery!!
Sandy
SW: 272 CW: 155 GW: 150
SW: 272 CW: 155 GW: 150
Topic: BariatricTV Episode 32 - The Weight Loss Saboteur
http://www.bariatrictv.com
In this weeks episode we have a FOW with a cute coat, expose the Weight Loss Saboteur, take a look at the week before surgery and introduce you to a self professed Lap Band King!
HIGHLIGHTS
- This weeks “Freak of the Week" is Sirenscry
- Why? Cause she can reach all her 2000 parts.
- We introduce you to our version of the Weight Loss Saboteur.
- The pusher…who pushes the sweets and fattening foods.
- The Underminer…whose negativity is always about.
- The Stuffer, who wants to continue to stuff you with food..
- Sometimes those closest to us becomes our saboteur.
- We give some tips on how to deal with the Weight loss Saboteur.
- So you are down to your last week before surgery? What will it be like?
- You may want to give up caffeine a few weeks in advance.
- Avoid the last meal syndrome.
- Having a stressful week before surgery..is normal.
- We highlight another website for bandsters…Lapbandking.com
http://www.bariatrictv.com
~lynnda
Topic: 6/13/09 Support Group Meeting
Hi, Everyone.
For those of you in the south central part of Kansas, the next meeting of the Winfield L.I.G.H.T. (Losing Inches, Getting Healthy Together) Support Group will be one week from tomorrow, on Saturday, June 13, from 2-3 p.m., at the E-Free Church Library, 3725 East 9th Avenue, Winfield, Kansas.
We'll cover an informative topic, have a few handouts, taste test a weight-loss friendly recipe, share our joys and weight-loss journey concerns, and one lucky attendee will be able to choose something from the goodie basket.
If you have any questions, just reply to this post or PM me. Last month, someone drove nearly 4 hours to the meeting. Now, that's motivation! :)
Have a great day, and see you lighter.
Blessings,
Mary
For those of you in the south central part of Kansas, the next meeting of the Winfield L.I.G.H.T. (Losing Inches, Getting Healthy Together) Support Group will be one week from tomorrow, on Saturday, June 13, from 2-3 p.m., at the E-Free Church Library, 3725 East 9th Avenue, Winfield, Kansas.
We'll cover an informative topic, have a few handouts, taste test a weight-loss friendly recipe, share our joys and weight-loss journey concerns, and one lucky attendee will be able to choose something from the goodie basket.
If you have any questions, just reply to this post or PM me. Last month, someone drove nearly 4 hours to the meeting. Now, that's motivation! :)
Have a great day, and see you lighter.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Topic: RE: Looking Into Revision, Insurance, Dr. Udobi
I would HIGHLY suggest Minimally Invasive Surgery Hospital in Lenexa. I am not only a patient, I now work here :)
http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/
Tara
http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/
Tara
Topic: Looking for a bariatric surgeon in Kansas? I love mine!!!
I stumbled on to the DS surgery and am extremely grateful for having found out about this procedure. I had NO complications and I am thrilled with the results so far.
I wanted to post the contact info about my surgeon in case anyone is looking for a bariatric surgeon in Kansas:
Dr. Bernita Berntsin
Tallgrass Surgical Center
6001 SW 6th Ave # 100
Topeka, KS 66615
(785) 272-8807
www.tallgrasstopeka.com
I wanted to post the contact info about my surgeon in case anyone is looking for a bariatric surgeon in Kansas:
Dr. Bernita Berntsin
Tallgrass Surgical Center
6001 SW 6th Ave # 100
Topeka, KS 66615
(785) 272-8807
www.tallgrasstopeka.com
Topic: RE: Looking Into Revision, Insurance, Dr. Udobi
I had a DS with Dr. Bernita Berntsen in Topeka. (Tallgrass Surgical) NO complications and NO regrets!!
Tallgrass Surgical Center www.tallgrasstopeka.com
6001 SW 6th Ave # 100
Topeka, KS 66615
(785) 272-8807
Tallgrass Surgical Center www.tallgrasstopeka.com
6001 SW 6th Ave # 100
Topeka, KS 66615
(785) 272-8807
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