Post Op Help and Support

I have moved to Oregon from San Diego, California approximately 8mos ago and I am desperately searching for some group support meetings or something of that nature, that I can attend. I had an RNY 12/2002, and after my initial 200lb loss, I have an add'l 150lbs I need to lose and I am not doing as well as I did in the beginning. I am backsliding on my diet, and my exercise since I've moved up here has lessened. I need help and support of others in a like situation. I struggled and fought for several years before I finally got approval from my insurance to have the surgery, now, I am not prepared to abandon the success I've had up to this point, to start putting my weight back on, I'm afraid because I know that it can happen. I live in the Beaverton area, so anything locally would be really great and much appreciated. Please respond as soon as possible, someone, please. Thank you!

Hi Diane, I live near Newberg... which is kinda far from you. But feel free to send me an email ([email protected]). Don't give up... I'm impressed at your weight loss so far, and inspired. I haven't had surgery yet, but hope to in August. What you might try doing is looking under "peers" for Oregon, and choose a topic like family, or pets... then scroll down and look to see where everyone is from. Find some Beaverton people and send them messages... in case they don't check the message board all the time. That's what I did, and found someone really close to where I live. Have a good 4th! -Angie Atwell

Hi Diane, There's a support group that meets in at the Beaverton Community Center, 5th and Hall St., the 2nd wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome - kind of a mix of RNYs and DS. Hope this helps, Anne

Thanks so much for your reply and your help. You don't have any idea how much hope you've given me and I intend to check those meetings out, believe me. One thing I still have to get used to since I've come up here is the weather. In southern california, at this time of year, it's generally sunny and nice. Here, it gets nice and then it's cold and rainy again so getting the inspiration to get out and start walking and exercising is failing me, not to mention the fact that at the job I have now, I'm working graveyard, so for most of the day, I 'm sleeping and that's not condusive for a great program. But enough whining, I am going to change that, and the first step is seeking out that meeting and get some help, so thanks so much again, and please email me, it was nice to get the support, Thanks again!

Hi there. I live here in Aloha and I am a newbie. I am 12 days post op and doing very well. I too want to make sure I am locked into as many support group functions as possible so I will also check out 5/Hall. Thanks for the info. I will keep you in my heart and prayers Diane, and wish you success. Hope to meet you one day. Carolyn

Oh yeah, Diane, I lived in Los Angeles area most of my life. I have been here in Oregon for the past 17-18 years and love it. Hated the heat and sunny weather and lack of seasons there. I am truly an Oregonian at heart and this is my home forever. I am single, 56 yrs, have two grown daughters who still live at home and I am also in recovery (AA and Al-Anon). I am so excited about this change in my life and it has impacted all areas already. I am working hard on not being a social recluse and I am getting myself out there and active. I started at 368 lbs, went to 314 lbs prior to surgery, now 304 lbs. Yahoo. But for me this is a whole lot more than food and weight. It is reclaiming my life and being a participant rather than an observer of life. Part of my action plan is to be active and involved. So hope to meet you. Carolyn

Thanks so much for your reply to my email. I love it here in Oregon too, haven't made alot of personal friends yet, I generally work, attend church and hang w/my mom and granddaughter, so going to meetings w/like folks would be a great opportunity for me to meet people and put myself out there. I have to reclaim my life as well, I can surely identify w/that. I have to have a complete makeover, for over 6yrs I just stopped caring about myself and became a hermit, my cat even thought I was pathetic. I want to stop being pathetic and start living my life again. Write me again, it would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to meeting you as well. Thanks again!