Racine/Kenosha area interest?

Hi everyone. I am almost 18 months postop RNY. I will be moving to the Kenosha area around Sep. I have been very active in 2 local support groups pre- and postop and want to continue to do so. Are there any support groups that are open to anyone, not limited to the surgeons' patients only? If there are no open groups, I would be willing to go to training to start a group if there is enough interest in the Racine/Kenosha area. Please let me know either publicly or privately. I know the value a good local support network has provided to me thus far in my journey and would love to continue providing and getting support. Kathy 285/130

Sorry Kathy but I do not know that area well. Hope you get some responses to help you out. I see your picture and you look wonderful. How fast and/or hard were those first 18 months? I am 3 months postop. Shelly

Thanks, Shelly. I think the first 3 months were the hardest, having to continually adjust 1) to different types of food from liquids to dense foods; 2) to eating small servings; 3) to not drinking around mealtimes; 4) to exercising - still struggling there . For me once I got into the new routine, time has just flown. I can't believe it's been a year and a half already. I am very compulsive and still to this day 18 months out, I record everything I eat making sure I follow my nut.'s advice on protein, carbs, fats, calories, and water. It has worked for me. Never had a plateau, a few slow downs for a week now and then, but a pretty consistent loss of weight. I love to cook and make many wonderful protein-filled entrees with seafood, pork, chicken or turkey. I have had no food intolerances. I can eat anything! But I eat small and smart now. Good luck to you. Kathy

Hi Kathy- Can't help you with support groups in that area, but just wanted to welcome you to the WI board! Good luck on your move in September! Hope to see you in here again! Pam

Hi Kathy, I am actually moving to Kenosha this weekend. There is a support group at the Kenosha Medical Center, but I don't know if you have to be a patient. I copied the following info from their website... http://www.uhsi.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/www/uhs_123308.hcsp Bariatric Support Group The Bariatric Support group meets the 3rd Monday of every month. Our monthly support group provides a secure, warm setting for patients undergoing the process of lifetime diet and lifestyle changes that can improve surgery outcomes and are necessary to achieve enduring weight loss. Free support sessions are conducted from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kenosha Medical Center Campus, 6308 Eighth Avenue, Kenosha. To received further information, please call (262) 654-7002.

Thanks, Tasha. I called and it IS an open group so I will likely see you there in the future. My new house won't be finished until Sep, but I might rent an apt temporarily over the summer to shorten my commute to my new job in IL. So I might be able to get to a meeting before Sep. Thanks, again. Kathy

Hello Kathy & Tasha Welcome to K-town! (or soon Kathy!) The meeting is open to all peoples....whether you are Dr. J's patient or not. They accepted me with arms wide open. I am a lap bander...I will be getting the band removed and perhaps switching to VSG...or ????(Complications with the band is making me re-think where I am going on this journey) Hope to see you both at the meeting. Dawn