Hello

Hi Vicki,  So nice to meet you and you live in Salem!   I just got the WLS for Dummies too.  I have flipped through it and read parts of it.  Haven't had time to read a lot of it yet but I will.  I went to the orientation in February and I submitted my application on 4/9 and I just decided to call yesterday and see if they received everything and they had gotten most of my medical records so she said she would submit it for review.  Not sure how long that will take.  Not too long I hope.  I think the next step is going in to meet the nurse practitioner.  I hope to get everything done during my six month supervised diet so that when that's done I can get scheduled.  Take care and look forward to talking more with you.  Linda

Linda,
Are you going to the support meetings at OHSU? I missed the last one (the one about plastic surgery), but hope to attend the next one in May. Maybe I will see you there.

No, I haven't been.  I didn't even think about going to those before surgery.  I guess that is a good idea though.  When are they and do you have to sign up first?    Have you been to a lot of them? What are they like, do you have to talk or can you just listen? Are they many people there?  Sorry I'm asking a million questions.   Linda

I am of the opinion, that you can NEVER ask too many questions, so go ahead. I have had so many myself.
I have not been to any of the support groups for OHSU yet. I only went to the information meeting on April 7th. They have them every 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 at the 3rd Floor Conference Center, Room 3176. The next one is May 20th.
My life board for info has been this website. There are others from Salem who have or are going to have surgery at OHSU - but, I do not know if they have a support group in Salem. I know there is one thru the Salem Hospital Bariatric Clinic, but I do not know if people who are going thru OHSU can go to it. Maybe someone can let us know.
Vicki

Hi, Salem does have a support group.  It is on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.  In the basement from 6:30 to 8:30.  Just thought I  would let you know.  Connie

I should add the groups at Salem are not structured like the ones up in Portland.

Connie, thanks so much for the info. What basement do they meet at?

Hi shelbysmother,  sorry its at the Salem hospital. 

Connie,
Have you been to the meetings?

I do not have a surgery date yet.  Heather said within 2 weeks I should get my schedule.  I am hoping for surgery in June.  That is what would work best for my job and my husband so he can be home for it.  I know that six months seems long however if you are doing everything that needs to be done if goes very quickly.  My year wait has gone by very fast, life just seems to take over and there is always next.  Like summer, camping vactions, grandkids overnights the list is endless.  All of life is a joy and WLS is just one among many.  Linda K.