newbie here

Hi everyone I am new to this site I have been on the main board, but never on this one I thought I would try making some friends closer to home. I am waiting for the excellance center cert. that is all I need for my insuranceto cover my surgery. I have very supportive family and friends, I have been tring to lose weight for years an d had my ups and downs, last year my mom past away and I have been having even more problems losing weight since than. I am at my heaviest at this time. I hope to meet people closer to home. Marie

Hi Marie. My name is Jojo. Have you heard about the WLS support group at Dean clinic on the West side of Madison? We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the West side Dean Clinic. If you take the beltline all the way around Madison and get off at Old Sauk Rd. Turn left at the bottome of the ramp and then left at the first stop light. Everyone is welcome whether or not you've had surgery. I'm still pre op but I'm hoping to have surgery next month. We're waiting on the results of a test I had which should be resolved next week. Keep your fingers crossed! I'm still pretty new to the group. I've only been to about six meetings, but they've all been helpful and fun. The most important thing is that we are all in the same boat and those who have had surgery already are a great source of information and helpful suggestions. Have you read the book by Barbara Thompson? I've lent mine to my mother in law so I can't remember the whole title. If you haven't read it - get it. I'll try to get the title of the book tomorrow from my m-i-l and let you know so you can check with the library. Do you know who you will be having for a surgeon? I'll be having Dr. Sunby from Dean Clinic. We have a support page of his patients. Perhaps your surgeon has one as well. It never hurts to check. Perhaps we'll see you on Monday? The topic for the meeting is the importance of post-op visits. Theresa Leneghan is the nurse practioner who is one of the leaders of the Weight Management Program at Dean. She is absolutely fabulous and answers every question and then some. So far, this weight management group has been amazing. Good luck! Jojo