Question:
I'm having a hard time finding a support group in my area! Portland Oregon

Dr. Friedman's office sent an info sheet but only one group was listed--I need more info! Do any of you know if Dr. Patterson's patients have their own support group (she will most likely be my surgeon). Thank you!    — jenn2002 (posted on July 18, 2001)

July 18, 2001
Hi there. I am a patient of Dr. Friedmans and I ran into the same problem. I live out in Gaston so driving to Providence Portland for the support groups were out of the question. I know that he told me that Newberg hospital now has a group. I don't know if that helps you or not. But if you do find a group in the area, please let me know!! I am 6 months post op as of Monday and have not been to one support group. Good luck!
   — Cindy K.

July 18, 2001
I recently joined this online list as a pre-op and have found some friendly and helpful people there. Try this http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ossgdrpatterson Hope this helps :-)
   — Julie M.

July 18, 2001
Dr. Patterson does have a support group, depending on which of the lap surgeries you have as to which group you will attend, the lap RNY is on the 3 Tues of the month at 7pm at Legacy Emmanuel Hosp. I'm sure if you call them they will give you the dates for the different surgeries.Pre-op and Post-op patients are required to attend the support groups,I attended my first one last night and it was very helpful. Hope this helps you out.
   — Jennie D.

May 17, 2002
I know of two groups. Prividence hospital the first Wednesday of the month. They meet at 7PM in the social room. It's next to the security office. Also, Woodland Park Hospital group meets the second Thursday of the month at 7PM in the cafateria. I know there is a group at OHSU but I don't have info. I called their Bariatric Clinic 503-494-8372 but did not get a return call. I believe there is a group at Kaizer Hospital but I really don't know anything about it.
   — msgracee

February 1, 2003
I am a member of the Kaiser support group. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at the Town Hall building near the Interstate Kaiser clinic. I think you have to register to become a member, but they don't take role at the meetings and personally I think anyone should be welcome. I have found it very helpful. There are lots of people there and in all stages of the WLS game. Post ops, pre ops and wanna bes. I have found the post ops to be very helpful and supportive.
   — NewJoolz

April 18, 2003
There is a support group that meets at the old Beaverton Library on ALLEN AND HALL Blvd, it is called the Resource Center now. It meets at 7pm once a month. The next meeting is May 21. In June or July they will be changing to the 2nd Wednesday night of the month. They are mostly post ops, but there are some pre-ops, like me.
   — Donna C.