East of Columbus

I am considering starting a support group so that I don't have to travel to columbus to be connected, and I'm wondering how many, if any, would be interested. I am going to talk to the staff at Dr. Mikami's office to see if they would be willing to support it (by referral or the occasional speaker) and I'm going to contact the local hospital (and if necessary some surrounding area hospitals), to see if they would also give referrals or volunteer speakers. I would also like to tie it to a clothing exchange. I'm talking in the Newark area...or surrounding. Zanesville is almost as far as Columbus, but not completely out of my range. Pataskala would be good too.... Just "feeling around" for interest....anyone?? If there is interest, I'm going to see if the hospital would let us use a conference room - either montly or quarterly or something.. any ideas/suggestions are appreciated.

May I ask, where is the support group in Columbus? I have been looking for one. Thanks, Melinda

Ohio State Medical Center has two a month, and I think they are geared towards "early post-op" and "later post-op" (like 6 months or longer)....but I think they let anyone attend - and I don't think it matters where your surgery was either...The early post op meets first Wednesday of every month (so not this week - but next), and the later post op is the fourth Wednesday of the month (so this week). You can see the topic being discussed, and more info at this link (you may have to cut and paste): http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/hospitalsandservices/programs/weightmanagement/ba riatric/support.cfm

I would be very interested in a closer support group. I have not made it to Columbus for any of the meetings as I was not working. I would go this Wednesday since I have a training in Columbus, but I am transporting another person, so that will not work out. I live in southern Perry County but would travel up to an hour, which is Lancaster, Zanesville, Newark, McConnelsville, and Athens. My new job is in Newark and I could always go from there. Local hospital support would be great. I am one of Dr. Mikami's patients too, so they might be in support, you never know until you ask. Keep me posted on what you find out.