Okay, .... the M & G

I spoke with Lanette, the director of Surgery, Anesthesia and Women's Health from the Vic this afternoon.  She is very interested in helping us but it doesn't look like she would be able to secure us a spot for next Wednesday.  I asked her if she knew of any meeting places that we might be able to book (ie: rec center, library, etc) and that we would be willing to pay if needed (in moderation b/c we are busy shopping you know) .  ANYWHO, she suggested the Kaboda (?sp) Center or the Bairdmare Clinic (which is apparently situated right across Pemina from the Vic).  Both have decent meeting rooms.   While we were talking she had her assistant look for the number, she couldn't find it but then Lanette said to "nevermind, she was going to be talking to the person who runs that place this after noon" and that she would get back to me.  Nothing yet but maybe tomorrow.

She was a very nice lady and is very keen to develope the Program more at the Vic (no news on criteria changing yet though - sorry to those who are waiting - hopefully soon).  We talked about the group.  I told her we would be:
a) 15 - 25 people (some on a come and go basis)
b) need the room from 6:30 - 10 but we are flexible  if need be
c) MUST be open to all WLS patients, not just the MB patients, I told her they account for about half
d) we need room for a clothes swap area
e) we would like or at least have permission for drinks (coffee/water/beer/mojitos) and to be able to bring snacks (products/recipes we'ed like to share)

She did ask for a "representative" for the group, so I volunteered as I am still preop and will be around for along time, although I am not sure how many meetings I can make.  If anyone would also like to be a "co-resprentative" that lives a little closer, that would be great.  She just needs someone to make sure the place isn't left in a shambles and that can get the word out for meetings.   We also talked about having some kind of "presenter" at the M & Gs for a short presentation, like at NUT, psych, or bariatric nurse, that can answer questions or give a short presentation.

All in all, I am confident that it is going to happen at the Vic (she says she has a suitable place but needs clearance).  Sorry this is taking so long ....

NGD

Wow thanks for doing all that work. I don't think I would be a good co on this as I am out of town as well. The Centro Caboto Centre is on Wilkes and is the Italian Cultural Centre. I think it's pretty costly meeting space but it's been awhile since I have looked into it. I think Teesha1 offered her house for the next meeting but we should confirm that she is still up for that.

I have TONS of clothes to bring so I hope lots of people come. I might not get there until 7 ish though.

Thanks again NGD for taking the bull by the horns.

Thank you for doing all that! I think you would be a good representative for us. How a bout a church for a meeting, would they charge you?
IF you want to come to Portage la Praire I would be game to host some time. I am home all summer with no plans to go anywhere, would be half way for those travelling from Brandon area.
Keep us posted, I really hope to get to a M&G someday....

Karen

 I might have a place for next week .... Will find out in a day or two , nice and central with good parking :-) anyway . Thanks for doing all that you have done ! I'd be willing to put my name down as a rep as well if you need another one .....

no probs ladies, it's my gift to mankind.  and rainyone, being the "co" would be great as I know you are right in the city, you can PM me with your real name and peticulars (you should be comfortable with this, as we did exchange plastic baggies of white powder out of your trunk, in a dark parking lot......lol) , I'm pretty sure that "Rainyone" and "notoriousgrannyD" are super hip and cool online but alas, as contact "representatives", we should be respectable ..... at least initially...

Rainy, Let us know about your possible spot and if Teasha is reading, is the offer of your maison still open, as back up?

Thanks for all this work ladies..I definitely want to make it to one of these..and I have lots of clothes, creamsicle protein powder that I hate but someone else might like..whenever they are on a weekend I will do my best to make it.

Woo hoo!!! We have group Reps. Thank you Granny and Rainyone. Rainyone I am glad I didn't have to cross the Mexico border with you. I hear Mexico is tough on dealers. LOL Mental note don't cross borders with granny either.

NGD you crack me up.!  YaY !!!