Monday, May 8th is our next Lighter For Life support group meeting at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital. Everyone is welcome - both pre-op and post-op, regardless of surgeon or procedure. This month we are pleased to have Renee Sussman, Certified Life, Business, and Executive Coach as our guest speaker. Ms. Sussman will talk about "The New Me". What does that really mean? Our expectations vs. reality. What does it mean to change from the inside out, instead of the outside in? Background For the past 20 years, Renée Sussman has helped individuals and companies clarify the change they desire, adapt to it, and transition smoothly. Currently, she is an Assistant Director and Advisor Coach in the technology communications and learning division of a global accounting firm. In her private coaching practice, Renée focuses on women in transition who want to excel at what comes next. What is Coaching? Coaching is a unique partnership that helps people improve their performance, reach their potential, and enhance their quality of life. It is a roadmap for those with a clear destination and a guide for those at a crossroads in their personal or professional lives. Using creative thinking, business experience, and a structured process, Renée helps people connect their purpose and passion with specific goals and tasks to achieve maximum results. Afterwards, please join us for the "Meeting after the Meeting" at the Wayne Hills Diner. Hope to see you Monday May 8th! Irene Date: Monday, May 8th, 2006 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Meyer Conference Room St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital 224 Hamburg Tpk. Wayne, NJ 07470

I'll be there. Hopefully this time I won't get stopped by the wayne police going home. This sounds like a really interesting presentation.. I hope everyone attends this should be an enlightening session. See you Monday.. Did you get my email? I haven't been on the internet alot lately. Donna

Hey Irene I was wondering......I am still pre op scheduled for sometime in June should be getting my date May 11. Anyways I live in Staten Island by the Goethals Bridge Exit 13 on the NJ turnpike. I went to my surgeons support group meeting and was not very impressed. It was about 6 people i a small room all talking over each other. No real agenda or purpose. I really didn't see any value to this meeting. I read your description and it seems like these are informative and substantial meetings. The speaker you mentioned seems to be female oriented. Do you think it would be beneficial to attend. I am not extremely knowledgable about Jersey about how far from Newark Airport would it be. I know these meetings are beneficial and I want to try to get my things in order before surgery. I am having LAP RNY. I am really looking for a strong support system going into this as I am on my own. I believe in strength in numbers and I want to be successful in my journey. To do this I want to hopefully meet some great people and form a circle of friends and support. Thanks any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.