Akron Support Group?

Can anyone tell me when the Akron Support group meets? Also can you please tell me what usually happens in the meetings? I'm hoping to have the gastric sleeve before the end of the year by Dr. Z. I have been reading the message boards and getting all the information that I can. Somehow thought you had to have the surgery before going to the meetings.

Hi there the support groups usually meet the last wednesday of each month.  You can go if you are pre surgery or post.  The schedule is listed at:  http://www.summahealth.org/common/templates/article.asp?ID=6 61

Thank you Kim. I will mark my calendar. Is there a speaker at each meeting or is it mainly the patients sharing their experiences? I think meeting some of the people whom has had weight loss surgery would be a benifit. I'm anxious for the day when Dr. Z submits for the surgery, although then I will begin waiting for the insurance company to make a decision.

Yes it is extremely helpful knowing and meeting people that have gone through the surgery.  I know how you feel, I felt the same way anticipating my surgery date.  Dr. Z is wonderful, I thank him daily for giving me a new life =)

Is this meeting at the hospital just a small group or is the dr or a speaker there every time, along with maybe the nutritionist etc?

Thanks.

The Akron Support Group meets at the 55 S. Arch Professional Building on the Summa Akron City Hospital campus. The meeting starts with the attendees introducing themselves are sharing something about themselves if they want; like victories, weight loss, surgery date, etc. It follows with a speaker. These speakers vary. Some of the ones from earlier this year include a plastic surgeon, a psychologist, and exercise trainer. I have went to 7-8 of them so far and neither of the surgeons have ever spoken. It usually ends before 8 and many people stay behind to network and talk to each other.

The meeting is coordinated by Robin the dietitian.  I believe the speaker at the next meeting is going to be Nicole, the nurse practitioner in the surgeon's office. She is new and is the person who assists with the fills. I don't know her topic. The December meeting is always a party where the attendees bring something bariatric friendly. Join us this coming month! -- Tom from Brimfield