Enlighten me!

I'm fairly new to this sight and definitely new to the TN forum.  I want to know more about these get together's that everyone goes to!  I actually live in GA but I work in Chattanooga, TN and live 5 mins from the line.  My RNY is set for 12/11 and I have a feeling I'm going to need all the support and help I can get!  I just wanted to know more about the get together's that you all have!  Thanks! Stacey

Hi Stacey, I live in west TN so I don't get to go to the get togethers but I am gonna try to start.  Everyone here is so helpful and they care so much.  I did get to meet a few at the walk, but didn't get to talk much.  I look forward to meeting them and you in the future. darlene

Hi Stacey,   A lot of us here are in the Nashville area at  the different hospitals have monthly support group meetings.  We also have a monthly luncheon and last month a dinner was started as well, for those who couldn't make the afternoons.  The luncheons are the first ( I think, could be the second, Susan Jones will clear that up) Saturday of the month and there's usually someone who makes a suggestion as to where.  It used to always be in Cool Springs, but the last two months have been in Rivergate area and I believe we will be moving around to give people equal time.  Susan will probably post and let you know more.  The dinners were started by Alyssa.  She usually couldn't make the luncheons and decided to set up the dinners.  Several people went last month and had a great time. Again, I believe, they are going to move it around to wherever is suggested and agreed upon.  Since this month is Christmas, we all decided to have one big "dress-up" get together.  It's this Saturday, and darn-it, I can't think of the name of the restaurant.  Again, I'm sure Susan will post and she'll give you the low down.    Even if you can't make it to Nashville, you will get a lot of support just from posting on this board.  Post it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly (sometimes it's very ugly!) lol  Everyone here is very supportive and even if they don't have an answer for you, they will be sympathetic and supportive.   Good luck on your surgery.  May you have an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery.  Keep us all posted!!  

Thank you, Darlene and Elena!  I'm looking forward to meeting everyone here and starting this journey.  It's nice to have a support system - like you said - even if it is just being able to post. It helps so much knowing that someone is going through the same trials that I'm facing.  Thanks for the support and greetings... I look forward to learning and meeting everyone! *hugs* Stacey

Welcome to the Tennessee Forum, Stacey!  I live in Murfreesboro but I always try to go to the lunches and dinners because it is just so great to get to see everyone!  Also, we do a clothes exchange.  We would love to meet you this Saturday in Smyrna.  Susan Jones has all the details.  All you need to do is just let her know that you are coming.  The first one I went to was when I was on clear liquids.  I drank water and tea the whole time while everyone else ate but it was worth it to me because I made so many connections.  We are also having an ornament exchange ($10 limit).  So, if you come bring a beautifully wrapped ornament for the exchange.  If you bring a spouse or friend, bring 2 ornaments (so that they can participate, too.) Hope to meet you on Saturday! Freddie

Hi Stacey! Welcome to the TN forum. The Nashville get togethers may be farther than you are able to travel on a monthly basis but you are certainly welcome to come any time you want. They are also trying to get a monthly get together going in the Knoxville area. You have already been given most of the info so I'll just pitch in some details.  The Saturday luncheons are the second Saturday of each month. We do want to move around to different areas as suggested by our participants. They are open to anyone who has had, is having, or is interested in, weight loss surgery. We welcome any surgery type, any surgeon, any hospital. Support people are also welcome. This may be spouse, significant other, friend or family member. The monthly dinners are coordinated by Alyssa but I believe they have been set for the last Friday evening of each month. That kind of spreads the time out between the luncheon and the dinner for those of us who attend both. We do have a clothing exchange any time we get together. We pass on clothing we have shrunk out of and it helps all of us keep from being nekkid. You will find that you change sizes so rapidly that you just can't afford to keep buying clothes that fit. We have quite a few people who are scheduled for December surgeries. Feel free to jump right in.  As you've been told, no topic is forbidden. The only rule we have is that everyone be respectful of each other. Sometimes we need to kick a little butt if someone is really messing up. But we do it in a family way, out of love and concern. We offer help instead of criticism. That is what sets us apart from some other forums on the site. We genuinely love and care about and for each other. If you can join us this Saturday for our Christmas party, we are meeting at Hickory Falls restaurant in Smyrna. We can get there about 8pm and they promise to seat us at 8:30. We will be closing the place! We have planned an ornament exchange with everyone wanting to participate bringing a wrapped ornament in the 5 - 10 dollar range. Just let me know if you would like to come. You can go to their website for more info - www.hickoryfallsrestaurant.com. I hope to see you posting often. Susan

Juat want to Welcom you to the Tn board!! The other's have "enlightened"  you about  the get together's we always welcome new faces.

Welcome to the TN board Stacey. Congrats on your surgery date. It will be here quick! Wishing a speedy and healthy recovery for your surgery. Good luck on your weight loss journey. Support will be really important and we are here to help any way we can.

Hi Stacey,      Welcome to this wonderful board, everyone he is great and like others have said will support you wether it be good, bad, whatever. I tried to read your profile, but had no luck. Can you add me to your friends list please? One can never have too many friends. Best of luck with your WLS and your journey. As far as the lunches and dinners, well come when you can. Hope we all get too meet you real soon. Cheryl

I'd also like to know more about local support.  I am a DS'er from Murfreesboro.  Are there any other DS'ers in the group?  I know the support issues are the same, just would like to find someone locally who has the same issues.  My surgeon moved to San Francisco, and the support group fizzled.  I also worked weird nursing hours until August, and was unable to go to many support group meetings before that because of my schedule.

I'm 3 years out, and have lost about 100 pounds.  Maintaining within 5-10 pounds of original weight loss. I saw the post about the get-together Saturday night the 8th, but I have a prior commitment.  When and where do you guys meet? Thanks!