NEW TO THE AREA

Hi. I moved to Portland a couple weeks ago... with my husband... Other then him, I know pretty much noone... I am not affraid... I really love the area... and as a 3 year post op I am in good enough shape to appreciate the area far better then I would have before. THAT SAID... I am looking for a Doctor who gets our challanges, and a support group possibly so I can meet some folks that I share this experience with... so if you all have any ideas for me I would sure appreciate your insight. THANKS!

What surgery did you have? I went to Dr. Jan for my surgery -- here's their web site: http://www.oregonweightlosssurgery.com/ I had lap band about a year ago. They hold support meetings monthly and I have attended a couple. Lori

I had an Open RNY...3 years ago this month actually... down 120 or so lbs... still could stand to drop another 20... but all in all I am greatful... Stress of the move and changing jobs is giving me some gut grief... IBS symptoms... YUCK... I will look into the website you passed along... thanks a lot.

Hi Colette! As for the Portland Metro area - I don't have a name to give you for a good doc. I would recommend calling the Obesity Institute - they would be a good place to start. If your in the Vancouver area, I know a great doctor. His name is Dr. Bessas. He's with Park Place Medical, and his number is: 360-828-8008. I attached the flyer for the meeting, it gives you details and directions. Welcome to the area - I moved here a year and a half ago and just LOVE it! Feel free to ask any questions - and take care! Kimberly

I wanted to say thanks for the doctor referal... I have been going round and round with my insurance company... gave up called your doc and guess what... he takes my insurance and I have an appt scheduled for the end of the week. I really appreciate the assistance... and let me know when your next meeting is I would love to go if I am in town... Lots of work travel is a bummer.

Welcome Colette! I moved here twelve years ago from out of state. I can remember how it was when I didn't have one friend or relative anywhere near. Luckily, I found people here very friendly, and it didn't take long to feel connected. Plus, that was when I was over three hundred pounds. I have to imagine it would have been a lot easier for me now. I woudn't say my PCP has a lot of bypass knowledge, but she is responsive to any special testing I request, and is always willing to put the bypass into the equation when considering my symptoms. Her name is Dr. Harp in Lake Oswego. I would suggest hooking up with a specialist for a visit (my surgeon was Dr. Hong. He is with the Obesity Institute in Portland with Drs. Patterson and Jan). There's nothing worse than needing to see a specialist as a new patient when something is actually wrong. It's much better to go to a "get to know" visit, so that if you ever NEED to see them you can say "I'm a patient of Dr. so-and-so". At this point I will be seeing Dr. Hong on a yearly basis, but feel I can turn to him with gastric issues. Welcome! Patty

Forgot..... I go to support for post op by-pass at Legacy Good Samaritian in Portland. Their next meeting is actually tomorrow night at 7:00 pm. I won't be able to go this month, but I usually try to attend. Patty

AHHH thats better... now you can see who I am... I found my original password and now we are a go... Thank to all for the feed back... I look foward to hopefully meeting some of you as time goes by here in beautiful OR... CIAO FOR NOW

Welcome! Where are you hailing from and what, besides all we know and love, brings you to Portland? I am a transplant, too. Love it here. We settled in North Portland and haven't regretted it for a minute. Join us for our once-in-a-while lunches or breakfasts. Anyone is welcome. I don't attend a support group other than that and here online. take care! tee

Dear Collette, Welcome to the greater Portland area. Yes, you will find much to do here and the natives are friendly.... I'm a Washatonian undercover and tell people I'm a "dog that quacks"...(translation: I went to the U Of WA as a "huskie", but now support the U of O "ducks") There is a loose association of us who meet every now and then for breakfast or lunch. I think Tee mentioned that in her response. We will let you know when we are getting together again. I thnk all of us are transplanted from somewhere else Again, welcome. The winters here really aren't that bad even though it seems to drizzle much of the time....it's better than the midwest. Trisha