New to Illinois

Hi all!  I'll be moving to the Canton area near the end of July and wondered if there are any support groups there?  I'll also be looking for a new family dr. and would like to know if there is any nearby who has experience with gastric bypass patients. I had gastric bypass 4 years ago and have never had any problems but would like to have a dr. handy just in case!!!  I started at 275 -- went down to 135 -- and now maintain around 165.  I'd really like to get back to around 150. I don't attend support groups much as I've found they're mostly oriented toward the newer patients, but I'm just checking out my options.  Any help  you guys can provide would be great.   This move is an exciting one for me -- I'm getting married in August and I'm coming to IL from out of state.... and I don't really plan on telling new people I meet about my prior weight.  I figure I work hard to maintain where I'm at and that's all I really want them to know!!!! Thanks again. Janie

Welcome, Janie. It looks like Canton is near Peoria, maybe do a Google search for a support group in Peoria as well as Canton?  As well as finding a doctor/bariatric center for future reference. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage and you are right, wls is nobody's business but your own if  you choose to go that route. All the best, Mary

Reminder from:		PeoriaWLSHelp Yahoo! Group
Title:		Canton Support Group Meeting
Date:		Thursday June 26, 2008
Time:		7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeats:		This event repeats every week.
Next reminder:		The next reminder for this event will be sent in 1 day, 23 hours, 58 minutes.
Location:		First Presbyterian Church - Canton
Notes:		Contact Betty Cooper 309-647-4561

here this should help you. I am not familar with them becaus eI traveled north for my surgery. I am from the Peoria area about 28 miles north of Canton. Karen

Hi Janie, It looks like Karen gave you the info you need, so I will just say Welcome to the Illinois Board. We have a Daily Roll Call you might want to come into. Its how we all keep up with each others daily lives. Please feel free to join in. The Illinois board has the bestpeople on it, we all really care for each other.  Looking forward to hearing from you. Hugs

Welcome Janie!  This is a GREAT board and you will make a lot of friends here.  congrats on your weight loss and for keeping it off, even if you are up a little bit, you'll get back down!

I am not anywhere near Canton, so I can't help you with that, but please know that you can come here often and share with us! 

Congrats on getting married too!

Hi Janie - Welcome to IL...  Wow how your life has changed and is changing.  Congrats on the marriage and move.  IL is a lovely state and I'm sure you will meet some great people on this board.   We have a great support system here if your not able to make it to a "live" meeting. Take Care and I do hope you stick around, Christina

Welcome to IL. My husband is formerly from Marion, he was born in CR. His mom is still in Marion and his sister is in DM. Cannot help you on the support group(s) in the Canton area. If there are any large hospitals in the area you might be able to get info from them. There is of course on line help here. Stop into the daily roll call when you can. Christine

Welcome to Illinois Janie!  Congratulations on your new life! You have just met the most supportive group of people. They are here for you with WLS problems and for your personal life problems. You will find friendship here too!  They are a great group!

Hello Janie and welcome to the IL board, I can't help you with the support group but just want to welcome you and congrats on you weight loss, Best wishes on your up coming wedding.

Hi Janie. Welcome to Illinois! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and move to Illinois, as well as most importantly, your weight loss! We're a supportive and caring group of friends here. Come and visit with us often. I'm from a NW suburb of Chicago, so I can't help you with the support group thing. Best Wishes! Lucy