WLS support groups?

Hey all! I live in Newburgh NY and Im looking for some support groups. I must attend 2 before I can get the surgery done...COuld any one tell me where I can go...I work in Ulster COunty so thats fine too. Thanks! Tanya

Hello Tanya, Two I know of that you could get to are.....St Francis Hospital,The Atrium(downstairs usually) Every 3rd Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM,the next one is June 16th,this one is excellent have been there a few times already it just started on St Patricks Day. Usually small compared to others,maybe 10-15 people there if that.........Second one is at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, the first Tuesday of every month,next one is tomorrow night June 7th,I believe it is from 7-8 pm,this one is huge-the last time I was there over 50 people,it was ok,but not much individual attention because of the size I feel,I kinda like the smaller intimate groups, anyways hope this helps...... Robin

Oh thank you so much Robin! I noticed your insurance is Empire bc/bs...I have the EPO/PPO...how are they?

Hello again Tanya, My HMO was great,I had no problems at all getting approval,just the usual waiting to get thru all the pre-op Dr. appt. clearances. When all was said and done took less that a week for approval. My first date was May 9th but then I had a sinus infection and went on antibiotics and Doc postponed me until the 26th......I came thru the surgery way better than I thought I would(I was so scared!) as of tonight I am still on clear liquids-supplementing w/protein shakes.....for me the mext phase of food will be the puree stage starting day 15 after surgery......It's weird I don't have hunger or thirst but I have that "head hunger" that niggling voice inside that says you should be eating especially when Pat is cooking burritos like he is now LOL-god they smell good!) anyway, would love to chat sometime.....Robin

Hey it's me Robin again.....are you still usung Dr. Kaul? I went thru their office as well, Dr's Cerabona and Yatco did my surgery, I also had adhesions from my C section removed and 2 abdominal hernias repaired.....they were great, I have to say I was in the best hands I could hope for......have a good night. Robin

Thanks again Robin!....Yes I am using Dr Kaul....he is great...I had put this all on hold because I just got marrried and wanted to have kids...then reality hit me and I realized it wouldnt be safe for me or my child at this weight so i am back on again...all I have to do is go to 2 support groups and have my doctor send a letter..everything else is done...I wish I had asked earlier because I would have liked to go to the Northern Dutchess one. I will probably go to St Francis...thats in POughkeesie right?...Do you have an address so I can Mapquest it...I have no idea how to get there..lol

Hi Tanya, I know of one that meets in Middletown every other Monday night. The only issue with it is that it costs $25 per meeting. If you are interested, I can give you the number of the lady who runs it. She is an MSW who had RNY about 3 years ago. On a side note, I had my surgery done by Dr. Cerabona and I think that he and the other surgeons are wonderful!! The office staff was pretty good too God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea

Hi Andrea! $25?!?!?!? WOW..Can they charge for something like that? Do you get something out of it. other than information, like dinner!..LOL? I never heard of a "support group" charging to get in..wow Thanks a bunch anyway!

Hi Tanya I am going to try and go to the meeting at the St Francis Hosp Atrium that the 16th thursday. this will be my first meeting. Maybe we can meeting and start together. I have not had my surgery. I am just getting started. Let me know Dottie

Hi Tanya -- Horton Hospital in Middletown sponsors a support group on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm -- it's free -- and a really great group !