I decided to finally do it ...

I've finally decided to go ahead and take the training to become an "official OH Support Group Leader." I'll finish my training this weekend, I hope. I'm starting an Support Group and while I plan to continue the monthly meetings we have now, I'm wondering if anyone might be interested in doing an online support group periodically ... this way it wouldn't just be limited by geography. Could be once a month, once a week ... What do you think? I think we'd probably do it via a chat room. If you have any interest please let me know. Also let me know if there are topics that might interest you as well.

I look forward to any input you might have.

Thanks in advance,

Barb

I think that's awesome Barb! I just know you'll make a great group leader and your regulars will be glad to have you with them.

I have wanted to start a support group in my area on my own, however I've not had any luck getting people interested. I know several in the area have had WLS, however out of 5 news paper adds I only received One contact. I live so far out in the boonies, none of the current support groups work for me.

Maybe I'll be passing through Raleigh sometime when your group is happening. :)

Holley -

If you want to PM me, I'll be glad to share some networking ideas with you. There are several things you might be able to do to gather a group.

I hope you do make up here sometime; in the meantime, I hope I'll see you at a virtual support group ;-)

Barb

What a great idea.  Thank you for taking his on, Barb!   I love the concept of an online support group.  In case you hadn't noticed, I'm taking advantage of every single support resource available.  I already feel like we should be getting Continuing Education Credits for all the things we learn here on this message board!  (And giving teaching credits to the gurus!)  There's amazing knowledge here. Is once a week too frequent for a virtual meeting of the minds?  Or maybe every other week, coordinating with the Meetup group?  Perhaps occasionally one of our celebrity surgeons would considering "visiting" for a few minutes. 

Hey Kim -

Thanks so much for the vote of confidence! I'm hoping to do an online group at least once a month ... depending on interest, I might try weekly. I'll just have to see what people want.

I'm looking forward to getting ideas for the support groups as well.

Barb

I think you're the perfect person for this. I know you've been one of my biggest supporters thus far. (Thanks!) Online would be great for me since I don't live close by. Keep us all posted on what you decide. xoxoxo

That is awesome. Good for you. I would definately be interested in an online group!  Count me in!

Thanks for the support. I'll be sure to 'count you in!'

Barb

Thanks Mare ...

It's a two street you know ... I get just as much as I give. I'll be posting later re: times, discussion subjects, etc...

You are doing a great job by the way ... You are going to have to find a svelte kitty to sit on scales soon.

Barb

I think that is a wonderful idea Barb.  I enjoy and gain a lot from my local support group, but sometimes it's hard to get there.  Of course you'll never find a time for online chats that will be good for everyone either but I think it will offer something for folks who can't make it to a face to face support group. Good luck on your new endeavor!  Alice