Support in Portland

I am looking into possibly moving to portland sometime after I have my bypass but I am trying to find support there now so I know where to go when I get there. Please any info will be helpful! Thanks in advance!

Well, if you do move to Oregon you will love it here!  I actually live in Vancouver, WA......it's just across the river from Portland and I only moved there a couple years ago, after getting married. What kind of support are you looking for?  Groups, info about Drs?  Let me know. Nola

I am looking for support groups. I attend one currently in Oklahoma City but I want to be able to immediately join a group when I move. We initially thought about moving to Vancouver but my husbands is from Portland and his parents are in Portland and I know it isn't a far drive but with 3 kids any drive is a far drive lol. I am also hoping to create some friendships over there maybe before I move...just so this process won't be so dramatic for me. Thanks for any info you can provide!

As for support groups, I know both Oregon Health Sciences University and Legacy Obesity Institute hold meeting every month.  Not sure what the days and times are, as I go to the one in Vancouver (if I go). If you need a friend......I'll be here.  I'm not goin' anywhere. Nola

Hi There: Kaiser Permanente offers several meetings, the one that I go to is the last Saturday of the month, at the sunnybrook bldg, just adjacent to Sunnyside hospital.  You do not have to be a kaiser member to go.  The post-op is from 9am- 10am,  The pre-op is 10am- noon.  The meetings are in  Clackamas.  If you are interested, I will send you the address. Peggy

OHSU has two WLS support groups.  One meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The other group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

The next scheduled meetings are: Wednesday, July 9 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Topic:  The "Bariatric Friendly" Kitchen Both groups meet at the Paul Kirk Conference Center on the 3rd floor of the 16-story Center for Health and Healing, 3303 SW Bond Avenue (east of Macadam and south of the Ross Island Bridge) in Portland. 

Underground parking is provided at the entrance on Whitaker Street, across the street from the building itself.

All pre-op and post-op patients and other interested parties are welcome!

For further information, contact the Digestive Health Center at 503-494-4373 or e-mail at [email protected].

Thanks a lot that is truly helpful. I am not in Oregon as of yet but when I get there this will really help me out.

Vicki, I'm seriously starting to think that OHSU should employ you as some type of go to person for OHSU and support. You seem to know SO much when it comes to a lot of things with the WLS department! Beth

And she's a heck of a lot more friendly than the people at OHSU!!   Actually, most of the folks at OHSU are fine, but they need to hire themselves more help.  They are way over-stressed and it really shows at times.  I did like their info sessions, the support group, and the surgeons and dietician.  I've had a bit of trouble with some of the other staff.  I guess that's all normal. Linda

HEY!!!! I moved here from KS about a year and a half ago...(my hubby is from here too) I'm almost 6 yrs out from my RNY. I've not joined an "official" support group but these gals on the boards are GREAT!!! Some of us get together for breakfast and casual gatherings too. It's a whole new world here...just holler if you need help!!! Who's your doc in OKC!?!?!