When I had my gastric bypass surgery this summer, one of the nursing staff (who was so kind and helpful) and I discussed how we both work in health care, her being in nursing and me being in HR, we also talk about our family. During our daily discussions (I was in the hospital for 5 days) we began chatting about family we have lost to cancer, breast cancer inparticular. I lost an aunt, support another aunt and the nurse had lost 2 sisters and a mother to breast cancer. In honor of my family and on behalf of the nurse who is a godsend, I want to give something back the world (especially these hard times of natural disasters throughout the world), and I have decided to raise as much money as I can to support this deadly disease, that has affected this entire world. Today, there is more hope than ever for people touched by breast cancer. Early detection and new treatments have contributed to a steady decline in breast cancer mortality rates. However, there is still work to be done. That's why I'm walking in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I want to do all I can to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving research, education, advocacy, and patient services programs so that, someday, breast cancer will no longer be a threat to the women I love. I therefore reach out to you ALL, my OH friends and family, and request your support and assistance with the fight against breast cancer. Please visit my web site on the American Cancer Society/Kintera Breast Cancer Awareness site at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=104728&lis=0&kntae104728=E47CE49258F74B3DBAD04554B2F227F8 TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Thank you, Mikey K

i would be interested in joining. can you send me the info? thanks ~susanne~

Hello everyone, I will be kicking off the Choosing & Losing to Live, a new support group in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Saturday October 15th. After the initial meeting we will meet every month on the 2nd Saturday of the month. We will meet at Olympic Fitness Center at 5470 St. Barnabus Road Oxon Hill, MD at from 12:30 pm - 3:00 each month. The focus of our support meetings will be fitness and overall wellness for the mind and the body after WLS. Everyone is welcomed! Pre-Ops, Post-Ops and even No-Ops who just want to learn how to incorporate positive living, exercise and healthy diet into their weight loss plan. It's a fact that those who actively participate in a structured support group achieve better results after surgery. Come out to support and be supported and know that you are not alone on this journey. For more information email me. To access the Choosing & Losing Message and Information Board hit my www below. I look forward to meeting you. Peace & Blessings, Sharon

Empower Support Group is the DC/VA/MD Support Group that meets monthly. If you live in the area, please come out and fellowship with your local OH friends. Our Fall Meet and Greet will be held on October 17, 2005. We are planning to do one of the two events listed below based on votes: (1) 2pm Cookout @ Haines Point Washington DC (2) 7pm Jillians @ Anne Arundel Mills Mall Please send an email to me at [email protected] to indicate if you would like to attend and what your choice of events will be. Please feel free to invite friend and family. VAL

Oh yes please. I need some kind of support. I feel like Im out here all by myself. I had my surgery at Providence Hospital with Dr.Fullum, but other than that. I feel like that they proformed the surgery and sent me home with know nothing. What I want to know is where am I suppose to be at this staff of the surgery? Am I eating to much or to little? I need to know for my sanity. I would love to come to a support group. thank you for telling me about it. If you are interested in talking please call me! 202-563-0586