secret TN DSer handshake?
I'm pre-op for DS, and I went to my first WLS support group meeting tonight, at Baptist. There were lots of RNYers, but no one who has had the DS. And it didn't sound like DSers usually came to that group--which seemed odd, since it's connected to Dr. Spaw, the most experienced DS surgeon practicing in the state!
So, is there a secret handshake or smoke signal that TN DSers use to communicate where they gather? I'd really like to chat with some local folks who have had the DS. I've hung out on the DS forum and it's been great, but there's no substitute for that wonderful face-to-face.
Many thanks!
Jennifer
Jenn
Type 1 diabetic, 26 years
With great power (the DS!) comes great responsibility.
I had RNY, so I don't know the smoke signals or handshake. LOL! Just keep asking questions ans I'm sure someone will jump right in. If I can answer your questions I will try. But I'm sure one of our regular DS'ers will chime in.
You are right, there is nothing like talking to people face to face. If you can, why not jump in this weekend at The Lunch Bunch. You'll see a lot of people you met last night at the support group. Just click here for the most recent post about it, and join in the fun!
Look forward to meeting you!
I look forward to meeting you, Cheryl, and everyone else in these here parts.
Cheers,
Jennifer
Jenn
Type 1 diabetic, 26 years
With great power (the DS!) comes great responsibility.
Hey Jenn and welcome. There is another support group at Baptist tomorrow night, it is for LapBand, but you are more than welcome to come and join in. I won't know until later today, if DH & I will be there, due to working, but it is a great place to meet folks. And like Scott said the Lunch Bunch is awesome and they are getting together this Sat and that would be another place to meet some folks. Also, be watching for information about the Dinner Club getting together, this is yet another chance to meet up with some of us. Hope this helps.
Cheryl
on 1/7/09 2:14 am
"Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." Stephen Covey
Don't litter! Spay or neuter your pet
I wanted to go to the group last night - it would be my first - but my back was hurting and I'm a freaking WIMP.
When will your DS be? I just got my date today. I'm nervous but excited. He did mine in two parts, and I had a hard time getting the insurance to approve the second half. It was crazy.
I'm glad to hear there are more people with interest in going to support group with the DS. The things we need to know and do are so different to the other surgeries!
Dennie
"It's so beautifully arranged on the plate - you know someone's fingers have been all over it. ~Julia Child"
I don't have a date yet, but I have March or April penciled in in my mind. Aetna has a 12 -week program that I've already done some of, but the three required WLS support group meetings will be the last thing I finish, I imagine. I would NOT have gone last night absent dire necessity, the rain was hideous and there was this low brooding fog over 65 in Williamson Co.
I completely agree we need a DS contingent at the group. The nurse who runs it was trying to imply to another pre-op DSer that all DSers walk around in stink clouds. She kind of backed off when I asked her, well, isn't that mostly from poor food choices? but you could tell she had a real bias against DS. I wasn't thrilled with that attitude at all, and it would be nice to have some real-life examples for pre-ops to speak with. So I hope I'll see you there next month!
Jenn
Type 1 diabetic, 26 years
With great power (the DS!) comes great responsibility.
Maybe after I have my DS, I'll be healthy enough to go back to work and he'll need another nurse? You never know. Seems like it would be good to have a RN with a DS and pro-DS attitude. Believe me, DSers are not the only people with stinky poops!!
I'll probably be there next month for the support group. It'll be the evening before my surgery. I'll need something to keep my mind off the clear liquids!
Dennie
"It's so beautifully arranged on the plate - you know someone's fingers have been all over it. ~Julia Child"
Hmmm...I was at the group Tuesday night and I don't remember anything being said about DS'ers and stink clouds. I do remember "the nurse" saying that for anyone who believes weight regain is not possible with the DS, she can give you names of people who have regained. This was followed with the reminder that we all have to follow the guidelines of our surgery, no matter which one we choose.
We on the TN forum try to be respectful of each and everyone's personal choice of surgery type. We have always welcomed folks no matter what procedure, hospital or surgeon they chose as we all have a common problem and goal...obesity and a desire to regain our health.
I hope you will decide to join in our face to face activities and perhaps be the start of more DS'ers joining us.
Susan (AKA bilsrib)
300/135/135 - Plastics February 2008 - Dr. Lois Wagstrom
P E A C E - It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
