Support Group Interest??

Hello, I am located in Vancouver, WA. I had my surgery on Sept 21st...and almost immediately I noticed the lack of support group options in our Metro area!! I am going to be participating in a training and will be starting a local Chapter of a Pre/Post Op Support group for Bariatric patients! I am trying to get an idea of what the interest level is in our area. I am looking to do something more fun and interactive. I'm considering maybe 2 meetings per month...one w/ an agenda & topic we can all 'chat' about...and then maybe have the second one of the month an activity, outing or something fun related to our topic. I don't know, just a little brainstorming! As someone who is pretty recently post-op...I have come to realize one of the things we REALLY need is the ability to relate to others in our same shoes. As much as our loved ones want to help us and try to understand...bless their hearts...they just can't fully grasp what we are experiencing, thus, the need for a great support group! I hope all of this makes some kind of sense! Please write back, give me some feedback, whether this is something you think you might be interested in, etc. I'd love to hear from you!! Thank you, congratulations on your decision and the best of luck on your journey! Kalisha

Hi Kalisha I am really interested in joining a support group! It's exciting that you will be going through leader training. As many of us have said, we want to belong to a support group but have no experience in leading a group. Keep me posted! I am scheduled for surgery on November 10th! These are exciting times!. --Kathleen

Hi Kalisha. I live in Beaverton. I would love to hear more about this. I had my surgery April 27th, but have not been involved in any support group other than what's available here on-line. Let me know what you develop. Thanks! Peg

Hello! I am so excited to see some feedback. I am thinking it would be beneficial to set up a group both in Portland and Vancouver...because I'm finding people all over the board and one concern is convenience! I have no problem doing this. My training will begin, probably early/mid-November. I am not exactly sure how long it will take...but I will keep you all posted! I would like to get things started as soon as I'm given the go ahead so I'm working on details now!! I am currently in search of a venue, ideally one that would be free for our use. I have an idea for the one in Vancouver, I just need to verify availability...but I'm kinda lost as far as one in the Portland area. Anyhow, I thank you for the offers of assistance, I'm sure I will take you up on those at some point, lol!! Take care, we'll talk soon! Kalisha

I attend a support group regularly over in Portland and don't intend to stop, but I would be interested in one in Vancouver as well--hopefully not Mondays---seems like everything is scheduled on Mondays. So keep me posted. Sounds like fun. Pam

I would love to be involved in any support groups you start. I'm one month post-op and feel like I really really need them. Can you please put me on a list to keep me updated?

Hi, we have a support group here in Longview that commences every third tuesday of the month at Kaiser. Anyone is welcome to come whether you are on Kaiser or not. Send me email if you are interested. Christine