Spokane Support?

Hey everyone! I live in Spokane and had Open RNY last October. I was wondering if there is any sort of Spokane support group or meetings for WLS patients? I would love to be able to talk to other people in the area who have been through this! IF anyone knows about anything, please let me know ;) Thanks! AnaBee

AnaBee, Hi, I had sugery May 2004. Rockwood clinic hosts a WLS support group which meets on the third Thursday of the month. It starts at 6 PM at the main Rockwood Clinic. It is really great and quite a few people attend. Most are patients of Dr. Rawlins and Dr. Bright but some who had Dr. Schrock attend too. It is quite useful. I have lost 161 pounds so far and everyone is so supportive. Last month we had a speaker on PS, Make-overs, and general sharing. Dr. Kai is now in Dr. Rawlins office and specialist in PS on WLS people. I will use her in the future. If you need more info please e-mail me. Love to get to know you better. -Gerriann 161 pounds gone forever!

Hey Gerriann!! Its good to hear from a fellow Spokanite I didn't have surgery here..do you think I might feel a little left out if I attend? Can anyone come? Do I have to tell someone I'm coming? I dont just want to show up.."HI GUYS! I'M ANABEL...SURPRISE!!" LOL..that would be weird! Do you mind telling me a little more about the meetings? What are they like? What are the people like? My main concern is feeling like a loner because I wont know the doctors or anyone there! Thanks so much!

i think that you would be accepted just like the others who had surgery in different states and places. We are a hugely diverse group of people. The meeting only lasts about 1.5 hours. Anyone is invited, there are people who are intersted in the surgery, those who are pre-op, and post-op less than 3 months to 2+ years. We do not have to let any one know that you are coming. If you really want to touch base with someone it would be Carol who is Dr. Rawlins and Brights nursing coordinatior who had surgery over 2 years ago. She can be reached at 838-2531 just ask for Carol in Dr. Rawlins office. The first time I attended was when I was 5 days post op and half the people had already lost over 100 pounds and the others where scheduled to have surgery in the next few months. I highly recommend the group and have no problem saying that I believe that you would fit right in with the rest of us. -Gerriann

Thanks so much! It sounds like a nice group of people!! Is it at the Rockwood clinic that is by the Hospitals? Kinda near that Budget Inn? When is the next one? (Wait, you said every 3rd Thursday right?) That puts us at February 18th right? I am definetly interested in going! =)

Yep that is the one. You are right it is on the 18th and I will definately be there. Looking forward to meeting you then.

Hi Ana Bee, I will be gone out of town for that group but will start attending in March for sure. I look forward to meeting everyone also. I have not had my surgery yet but will have it in Calif. So I will be a newbie to the group as well. I look forward to meeting you and everyone else. So do not feel alone I too will be from another medical group joining in. Congrats on your surgery. I can't wait for mine. Marylou