Want to start a group?

Hi everyone! Peggy Hess (Beaverton) and I (Tualatin) have been talking about possibly starting a weekly support group. We would like to hear from others who would be interested in paticipating. I am a retired therapist, but would rather make this a peer lead group, and attend as an active member. I am putting this message on the board, hoping to hear about preferences. Where, when, time of day.... let us know what you think! We could incorporate a clothing exchange, recipe exchange and support one another through this exciting process. Give me your ideas and we'll see where it take us! Joy

Hi. Joy and I had a great time getting together yesterday for lunch and just getting to know each other better. We would love to have you join us for a weekly support group. Do let us know because we are off and rolling! Peg

Well my biggest problem is that I am on the wrong side of the state..I don't know how I am going to be able to get into support groups since I haven't heard of any on this side...maybe someone will get a hold of me and maybe we can start a group..i think that it is needed. Sonya

Hi Peggy! Read Patty's post below and let's talk LUNCH! Joy

Hi Ladies, I just came here for the first time tonight-I have been at the main board. I would be interested in joining you, but still work so could probably only meet on Fridays during the day. I live in NE Portland. Wish I were retired (I'm 56 so feel like I should be). I am also a therapist (part time practice and part time school counselor currently). This WLS has thrown me for a loop complication wise so it would be nice to hear your stories and know things will get better. I feel like it is getting somewhat better with time (I am 41/2 months out) but it has been a hard road. Take care, Diane

I would love to meet up with you guys. To be realistic I know I couldn't committ to once a week, but if I knew when and where, I am sure that I could come at least once a month. Nights and weekends get a bit more hectic for me, but I realize that for people that work - mid-day during the week might not work for them. I could probably make just about any time. There is advantage to having it same time same place, because it is easier for people to know the when and where, but settling on that place can be the challenge. On the other hand I always like to try new places. Some people might hesitate to meet over a meal, yet I still like that experience. Being with this group we know that not everyone is going to be eating the same. I personally have found a place for myself in the eating out arena since my early post-op days. Most places have something. It was a little funny when our support group had a pot-luck (I made really little portions), but the pleasure of breaking bread together shouldn't go away with our new eating habits. Patty

Sounds like a date, Patty!! Peggy and I are retired and prefer meeting during the day, so that owrks out perfectly. Lunch always is a nice way to get together. Now, we just have to get Peggy informed. Hey, Peggy!! Are you out there? Would anyone else like to come with us? Joy

I am also a day person who can (and would like to) meet for an occasional lunch or coffee. Not willing to commit to a regular group, however. tee

Tee, We'dlove to meet with you for coffee or lunch! Let's set up a time for next week! Joy