Interested in having a NL support group meeting/symposium/gathering?

Ladies, I have been wondering if perhaps we should try getting together in person?

My idea was that we could get together for a day or part of a day that could be part social gathering, part support meeting, and also perhaps invite some speakers like Dr. Pace, Raleen Murphy the Nurse Practioner, and Rhoda Crawley the dietician.

I know for some of you that would mean travelling into St. John's, and obviously some of us work, so maybe you could reply to let me know if you are interested, and if so, when would be a good time to aim for - a Saturday? a Sunday? a weekday? August? September? October?

I can probably handle the logistics - find us some meeting area in the Health Sciences Centre, maybe even find us some funding to cover a meal or some snacks. Maybe even subsidized accommodations, if anyone needs some help on that end.

Mary C, if you are reading this, I would really hope that it would be something you could get in for, as a long-time bariatric surgery supporter and success story.

Thoughts?

Great idea Jenn - I'm in. I do think the fall would be a better time - given summer holiday plans and such. As for a best day for me - being a shift worker - it's not really that critical. Maybe you should start with seeing what times would work for Dr. Pace and Raleen? Is there a psychologist who sees Dr. Paces pre-op patients? As well - I have read that a lot of pre-ops have had to have a sleep apnea study done. Do you think it would be worthwhile to try to get an Respiratory Technologist to speak at our proposed symposium? (as I will call it for now). Once you get a date in mind - let me know so I can put in for vacation time if need be - in my line of work - most times we have to fight tooth and nail to get a shift off - there is just no coverage. Keep me posted!  

I agree the fall is a better time. I would love to attend too.

Oh I will so be there.....let me know if you need me to so something to help you!!!  

This sounds like a great idea!  I'm in St. John's, so, not really a problem for me to be there.  However, I do work Monday to Friday...so, a weekend would probably be better for me....but if I know in advance when the meeting would be, I'll ask for the time off work so I can attend!

Hi Jenn, Sounds real good...I'm in Ontario right now because my brother is terminal with cancer but will be flying back and forth...I did have a good chat with the nurse practitioner and am hoping my time will be soon for the wls....please keep me posted if you can on where and when the meetings will be and I'll see if I will be in St John's at the time. I'm even more disable due to a recent fall here in Ontario so hoping the meetings will be in a wheelchair accessible place if possible...If not maybe we could chat and you could let me know how it all goes....thanks for the great effort in doing all this for everyone. Carrie

Okay! I will start looking for a place and talk to Dr. Pace to see if when he's available, as well as some other potential speakers. But don't worry - I also want to make sure there is plenty of time for us to talk privately and just get to know each other a bit better too.

I bet I can probably find a place in the Health Sciences Centre itself somewhere...just wondering how many we should plan for!

Wheelchair accessible is a great point - Carrie, you are not the only one in that situation, I am sure.

Stay tuned for updates...and if you are reading this and haven't "outed" yourself on this forum yet, I really encourage you to do so. We really want to know you!

Jenn

 I would be up for this be nice to meet those who had surgery and the ones waiting....Anytime is good for me  I am only 45 minutes away and always in town

hi everybody, I'm a newbie as of tonight, aug 8 2011. This symposium is adderessed to Ladies, are men welcome as well. I'm a 56 year old man who weights about 360lbs and is 6ft. tall. I;ve been carrying this extra weight for aprox 10-14 years. I just had total hip replacement in June 2011 so I am ih less pain and am just begining to get going now. I just started to look into weight loss surgery or a place I could go for months at a time and exercise and get the phsycological and nutrictional help I need before I elect to have surgery. Does anyone know of such a place, that's close by and reasonabley priced......sure could use your help.......thanks....jnels

Hi jnels - Men are welcome also - it's just that so far it was only ladies posting here. So WELCOME!