A brag on the Hickory group...

I know I've said it before...  For me, this is the right place, right time, right everything.  :)

Allen and I went to the Hickory/Frye support group meeting last night.  Meredith held the support group solo while the others held a big seminar down the hall.  The meeting this time was a protein potluck and clothing exchange.  It was sooo much fun!  We got to sample everyone's goodies, there was even a woman there representing a B12 nasal mist, and then we got in our circle to start the actual "support" part of the evening...which always goes so well.  Everyone is always so loving, caring, compassionate, open, and just downright fantastic.  I feel like I am making such wonderful new friends (whether they realize it or not!  haha!) and I feel like the Hickory/Frye group of people (Meredith, Jock, Becky, Julie, Lisa) are becoming my family. 

After the support group ended, I was blessed to come away with some beautiful pieces of clothing from a sweet lady that I desperately needed!  Then, one of Dr. Cook's patients whisked Allen and I over to the seminar as it was ending and introduced us to Dr. Cook for the first time!  I know we are going to meet him on Monday, but it was such a treat.  Dr. Cook was so nice and I feel like I am in the best of the best of hands.  Both Allen and I came away wtih this feeling of peace and satisfaction.  I know that those of you who have been there and felt that way about your surgeons will know exactly how precious a feeling that is!  I'm really looking forward to Monday, going loaded with all of my questions, and I have a great feeling I am going to come away with the final piece of this puzzle..."right surgeon!"  :)

I have to tell you that we got to meet Tamara for the first time last night.  We met and rode to Hickory together.  She is such a sweetie!  Bubbly and vivacious...my poor hubby had bleeding ears by the time we got done yacking with one another on the 2 hour drive and the stop for dinner!  hehe 

And as always, Shelia is just as precious as can be.  I loved seeing her also and hated it that I didn't get to spend more time with her.  I'm just thankful we are in close contact outside of support group!

I never dreamed in a million years that looking into and going through with WLS would bring me such dear friends.  This journey has so many more facets and is such a blessing to me in more ways than I could have ever hoped for! 

Hi Shauna,

I'm delighted to hear that you had such a pleasant positive experience and I'm sure that you will continue to do so as you make your way along this amazing journey you are embarking on. It's wonderful that your husband is right there with you. It makes an incredible difference to have those who love us walk along side us on this wonderful, life-changing journey.

I look forward to gettng to 'meet' you in person myself one of these days. Until then,

(((((Virtual Hugs)))))),

Barb

Hi there Barb!  :)

I count you as one of my dearest friends I've made here on the OH Forum, btw.  I know that the people close to me in my day-to-day life hear "Barb said..." on a regular basis and they know just who you are!  ;)  

My hubby and I are the best of friends and I am so lucky to have him by my side during this.  He really deserves it too...he has seen me at my smallest, at my largest, my battles through various health crisises, etc.  He has tended to me and helped me through so much over the years.  I think he is just as excited as I am and can't wait for the coming months to see how everything unfolds! 

I am thinking we will probably try to make it to the Raleigh meetup in either January or February of 2009.  That will enable me to have time to have the surgery, use up our pretty weekends on the house's exterior, get past the holidays, and steal some time before our daughter's softball season gets in full swing!  I'll make sure to get with you plenty ahead of time for the date and I want to let people know we are coming because I am hoping to meet as many of you in person as I can!

Ohhh, I forgot to say, I asked what the surgery schedule is looking like right now and I may end up with having my surgery in November!  :)  Fingers crossed for that...I'll know for sure Monday.  Yippee!!!

{{{Big Hugs}}} back at ya!!!  :)

Shauna,

You make be blush. You are so sweet. I know just what you mean about having your best friend with you ... as you know, I've been fortunate enough to have mine and I look forward to being there for him as well.

Be sure to let me know when you get a date... NOVEMBER!!! How exciting!!! You and Ben will be starting the new year as new people.

Hugs ... my friend,

Barb

P.S. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Awww, Shauna...

I agree that the group was great last night.  I am so glad you brought Tamara with you and she is a sweetie.  I loved talking to her and to be able to put a face with her name makes all the emails that much more special.

You and Allen are great together.  And I loved your refried bean dish.  Glad you met Dr. Cook, too.  All in all, I am very happy with everything at Hickory.  And making new friends is the icing on the cake to me... LOL

Love ya,
Shelia

Shauna,

I'm so glad you are as happy with Dr. Cook and his staff as I am!!  They are the best!!  I have an appointment with them on Nov. 25th!!  You are definitely in GREAT hands!!  i just wished I lived closer so I can attend the support meetings!!  Plus, my heart is always in the mountains!!  I'm not a fan of the beach and it is only 15 minutes away!!LOL
Andrea

Andrea,  You have a long drive ahead of you on the 25th!  If I think I am going to be in Hickory that day, I will have to let you know.  :)  It's so great to hear that you had such a positive experience with Dr. Cook and staff.  I can hardly wait until Monday.  I can hardly believe it's almost here!