Recent Posts
Topic: Support Group Info for 2010
Support Group Information for Tucson and Phoenix Metro
(those who attend support groups are those who obtain their weight loss goals and maintain for a lifetime!)
Pick a group and pencil it in! Own your success!! Protect your health!! Celebrate your life!! Pay it forward!!
Tucson Area:
St. Joseph's also has one on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30-8:30 at the St. Joseph's Auditorium. All are welcome Dr. Blackstone Support Group in Tucson is the 1st Saturday of the month to be held at Sheraton on Grant Road from 10:00-11:30. This is for SBC patients only.
St. Joseph's is the last Saturday of the month at St. Joseph's Auditorium from 10:00-12:00 open to everyone.
Tucson NOAG is Last Thursday of the Month at 7:00 at UMC Rm. 5408, open to all. ----
North West meeting7-8:30 PM each 3rd Monday of the month at the Northwest Medical Center Classrooms A-D 6200 N LaCholla Blvd. Classrooms are off the main lobby behind the cafeteria. New attendees in classroom D at 6:30 PM.
---- Eastside meeting7-8:30 PM on the first Tuesday of each month at Evangelical Covenant Church, 551 N. Camino Seco, between Broadway and Speedway, on the West side of the street. As always new attendees will be at 6:30.
Phoenix Area:
**Chandler WLS Support– 4th Tuesday at Chandler Regional Hospital, 6-7:30 pm OPEN to ALL! Peer Facilitated. Frye & Dobson. Enter from East Main entrance (by E.R.) and take elevator’s down to conference rooms 1 and 2 (This has been changed to quarterly with occasional get together’s….check support site for updates)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chandler_WLSSupport/join
Banner Gateway Support- **1st Tuesday 6-7:30 and **2nd Weds 6-7:30 and 3rd Weds 4:30 Professionally facilitated. OPEN to ALL (room down from the cafeteria) http://www.bannerhealth.com/_Bariatric/Bariatric+Center+Loca tions/Banner+Gateway_Bariatric_Center/Patient+Support/_Suppo rt+Groups.htm
**AZ Grads of WLS- 1st Tues, 5:30 at Bridges Centre, Phx St Luke's. OPEN to ALL who are 1 year post-op, Peer Facilitated: usually by Joyce or her hubby, Jim J http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/JRinAZ_group/discussion/ Come to GRADS then stay for the general support mtg @ 6:30!
Bridges St Luke's in Phoenix- 1st Tuesday at 6:30, OPEN to ALL, Psych facilitated, Bridges Education Room, 555 N. 18th E., Phx
Tempe St Luke’s – 2nd Saturday of every month, 1 p.m. ERny and DS group, 3rd Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
Sun City - second Saturday of the month at 10;30 - noon. We meet in the Sun City room at the corner of 103rd & Coggins. If you have any questions of comments, please email Ann or call in the evenings at 623-249-4924.
Sun City Morning Group - Wednesday morning support group. It will be at 8:30-10:00A.M. The fourth Wednesday of each month. It will be held in the Menke Sun City Meeting Room in Sun City. All type of WLS are invited. Bring your support person if you would like. Hope to see you.
Debbie (dbuckeye)
Paradise Valley Hospital Support Groups are now being held at Paradise Valley Hopsital. They are open to all patients and are topic driven. Healthcare providers will help facilitate the support groups. All are welcome and they are FREE of Charge. The same speaker/topic will be for both sessions. The topic will be approx 30 minutes with open support discussion following
When: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 6pm - 7:30pm Modular Classroom 3rd Saturday 11am-1pm Cafeteria Classroom
Where: 3929 E. Bell Road. Phoenix Corner of Bell Road and the 51
**WLS West Valley Support Group:
WLS West Valley is a support group that meets twice a month on the first and third Saturdays of each month. It is a group designed for people who are pre-op or post-op for any kind of weight loss surgery.
The meetings are PEER FACILITATED, FREE, and will be held at Banner Estrella Hospital in the Conference Rooms located at 93rd Avenue and Thomas Road from 10:30 AM to Noon. The conference rooms are located just west of the main hospital entrance.
We look forward to meeting you!
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WLSWestValley/
There are other support groups in these areas that are affiliated with Bariatric programs and are closed to guests unless you are attending with one of their patient’s specifically. They are great programs….
**And…there are other support groups spattered around the state outside of Tucson and Phoenix. For instance, check out: http://tricitywls.com/ This Prescott Valley group totally rocks! A fun day trip could include a trip to visit them. Get out of the heat, see their fun city, enjoy a dinner out and then join them for an evening of support! I’ve done that plan and LOVED it!
There's a support group for anyone that has had/is considering any form of weight loss surgery in Yuma. It meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm at the Yuma Regional Corporate Center on the corner of 32nd St & 4th Ave Extension.
So, can I save you a seat?......
Shoot me a note at: [email protected] OR [email protected]
C U soon!!!
(those who attend support groups are those who obtain their weight loss goals and maintain for a lifetime!)
Pick a group and pencil it in! Own your success!! Protect your health!! Celebrate your life!! Pay it forward!!
Tucson Area:
St. Joseph's also has one on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30-8:30 at the St. Joseph's Auditorium. All are welcome Dr. Blackstone Support Group in Tucson is the 1st Saturday of the month to be held at Sheraton on Grant Road from 10:00-11:30. This is for SBC patients only.
St. Joseph's is the last Saturday of the month at St. Joseph's Auditorium from 10:00-12:00 open to everyone.
Tucson NOAG is Last Thursday of the Month at 7:00 at UMC Rm. 5408, open to all. ----
North West meeting7-8:30 PM each 3rd Monday of the month at the Northwest Medical Center Classrooms A-D 6200 N LaCholla Blvd. Classrooms are off the main lobby behind the cafeteria. New attendees in classroom D at 6:30 PM.
---- Eastside meeting7-8:30 PM on the first Tuesday of each month at Evangelical Covenant Church, 551 N. Camino Seco, between Broadway and Speedway, on the West side of the street. As always new attendees will be at 6:30.
Phoenix Area:
**Chandler WLS Support– 4th Tuesday at Chandler Regional Hospital, 6-7:30 pm OPEN to ALL! Peer Facilitated. Frye & Dobson. Enter from East Main entrance (by E.R.) and take elevator’s down to conference rooms 1 and 2 (This has been changed to quarterly with occasional get together’s….check support site for updates)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chandler_WLSSupport/join
Banner Gateway Support- **1st Tuesday 6-7:30 and **2nd Weds 6-7:30 and 3rd Weds 4:30 Professionally facilitated. OPEN to ALL (room down from the cafeteria) http://www.bannerhealth.com/_Bariatric/Bariatric+Center+Loca tions/Banner+Gateway_Bariatric_Center/Patient+Support/_Suppo rt+Groups.htm
**AZ Grads of WLS- 1st Tues, 5:30 at Bridges Centre, Phx St Luke's. OPEN to ALL who are 1 year post-op, Peer Facilitated: usually by Joyce or her hubby, Jim J http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/JRinAZ_group/discussion/ Come to GRADS then stay for the general support mtg @ 6:30!
Bridges St Luke's in Phoenix- 1st Tuesday at 6:30, OPEN to ALL, Psych facilitated, Bridges Education Room, 555 N. 18th E., Phx
Tempe St Luke’s – 2nd Saturday of every month, 1 p.m. ERny and DS group, 3rd Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
Sun City - second Saturday of the month at 10;30 - noon. We meet in the Sun City room at the corner of 103rd & Coggins. If you have any questions of comments, please email Ann or call in the evenings at 623-249-4924.
Sun City Morning Group - Wednesday morning support group. It will be at 8:30-10:00A.M. The fourth Wednesday of each month. It will be held in the Menke Sun City Meeting Room in Sun City. All type of WLS are invited. Bring your support person if you would like. Hope to see you.
Debbie (dbuckeye)
Paradise Valley Hospital Support Groups are now being held at Paradise Valley Hopsital. They are open to all patients and are topic driven. Healthcare providers will help facilitate the support groups. All are welcome and they are FREE of Charge. The same speaker/topic will be for both sessions. The topic will be approx 30 minutes with open support discussion following
When: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 6pm - 7:30pm Modular Classroom 3rd Saturday 11am-1pm Cafeteria Classroom
Where: 3929 E. Bell Road. Phoenix Corner of Bell Road and the 51
**WLS West Valley Support Group:
WLS West Valley is a support group that meets twice a month on the first and third Saturdays of each month. It is a group designed for people who are pre-op or post-op for any kind of weight loss surgery.
The meetings are PEER FACILITATED, FREE, and will be held at Banner Estrella Hospital in the Conference Rooms located at 93rd Avenue and Thomas Road from 10:30 AM to Noon. The conference rooms are located just west of the main hospital entrance.
We look forward to meeting you!
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WLSWestValley/
There are other support groups in these areas that are affiliated with Bariatric programs and are closed to guests unless you are attending with one of their patient’s specifically. They are great programs….
**And…there are other support groups spattered around the state outside of Tucson and Phoenix. For instance, check out: http://tricitywls.com/ This Prescott Valley group totally rocks! A fun day trip could include a trip to visit them. Get out of the heat, see their fun city, enjoy a dinner out and then join them for an evening of support! I’ve done that plan and LOVED it!
There's a support group for anyone that has had/is considering any form of weight loss surgery in Yuma. It meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm at the Yuma Regional Corporate Center on the corner of 32nd St & 4th Ave Extension.
So, can I save you a seat?......
Shoot me a note at: [email protected] OR [email protected]
C U soon!!!
Topic: Support Group needed...
I am still new on my WL journey and am wondering where I can find a support group near Laveen or in Tempe?
Joyce- I emailed DJ as you said, butnever got a response???
Any help is appreciated! -Lisa
Joyce- I emailed DJ as you said, butnever got a response???
Any help is appreciated! -Lisa
Topic: Sun City Area WLS Group meetings for 2010
April 10 - Meet me in the park. This will be a meeting in the gazebo in the park behind the Lakeview Lanes at 105th & Thunderbird. Anyone who wants to walk afterwards is welcome.
May 8 - Sun City Room
June 12 - To be Announced - Maybe Dress Barn
July 10 - Sun City Room
August 14 - Sun City Room
September 11 - Sun City Room
October 9 - Sun City Room
November 13 - Sun City Room
December 11 - To be Announced - Christmas Party
If you need directions or have any questions, please pm me or email me at [email protected].
Ann
If you need directions or have any questions, please pm me or email me at [email protected].
Ann
Certified OH Support Group Leader
Bariatric University - Bariatric Coach
Bariatric University - Bariatric Coach
Topic: RE: Finally decided...
Lisa,
Congrats on deciding to change your life. All drama aside, I am thrilled that you are at a spot in your life where you are focusing on which surgeries to get, which surgeon to use and looking for feedback from your soon-to-be WLS peers! There are many out there watching WLS commercials eating tubs of ice cream. So kudo's to you for grabbing a hold on your life and making a change.
I wish you the best in whatever precedure you decide.
Jeff
Congrats on deciding to change your life. All drama aside, I am thrilled that you are at a spot in your life where you are focusing on which surgeries to get, which surgeon to use and looking for feedback from your soon-to-be WLS peers! There are many out there watching WLS commercials eating tubs of ice cream. So kudo's to you for grabbing a hold on your life and making a change.
I wish you the best in whatever precedure you decide.
Jeff
Topic: RE: Finally decided...
Thanks Joyce for the info about the support group - I think I need it more this week than ever before, so I apprecaite the help! Maybe I will see you at one one of these days! -Lisa
Topic: RE: Finally decided...
Joyce
Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Wow! I'm so sorry that your thread got hijacked and that you've had to dip into drama when you needed direction and support. I'm sorry for my part in it
OK...let's shake it off! Congrats on finding your path. Let all of us know how "we" can help you! for every one of us that actually posts (ever so timidly) on this forum; there are hundreds that read. Your journey can quite possibly guide others!
While you're making your plans then how about hitting as many support groups and get togethers as you can? Meeting with people who walk the walk is inspiring! There's a Westside support group tomorrow. I can't make it to this one but the ladies (and gents) there are some of the best of the best!
For info, you can email their group facilitator DJ @ [email protected]
Chin up Lisa! You've got amazing things ahead of you!
OK...let's shake it off! Congrats on finding your path. Let all of us know how "we" can help you! for every one of us that actually posts (ever so timidly) on this forum; there are hundreds that read. Your journey can quite possibly guide others!
While you're making your plans then how about hitting as many support groups and get togethers as you can? Meeting with people who walk the walk is inspiring! There's a Westside support group tomorrow. I can't make it to this one but the ladies (and gents) there are some of the best of the best!
For info, you can email their group facilitator DJ @ [email protected]
Chin up Lisa! You've got amazing things ahead of you!
Joyce Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Topic: RE: Finally decided...
Wow - I didn't know my confusion would cause so much hatred and immaturity - I just wanted some answers and some advice and I thought I could get that from this board. I am truly not interested in which of you are battling on this website or even why. Did it occur to any of you that my post was written out of confusion and stress and that your ranting and fighting only causes more confusion and stress?
I don't know anyone personally here and I have not been on here long enough to make any real connections with anyone, but I have seen Joyce post some good advice to others over the last 8 months and I appreciate her taking the time to do so. Even if what you are saying about her is completely true (and I don't think it is), as a human, she is allowed t change her mind. I am not sure you keep attacking her because I am quite sure you have changed your mind about several things in your life as well - even about things you thought were so cut and dry.
Please take the time to look in the mirror - the obvious anger you feel toward others is only eating you. Everyone on here is trying to make the best decisions with as much information as they can gather and we are all trying to become healthier and happier. If your agenda is not to help others in their journey to do so, please stop posting and visiting as you are only posing as another pitfall for us to go around.
For those of you interested - in light of the information I have gathered on the AZ forum and the DS forum, I have decided to look for a competent DS surgeon in California. My journey has been lengthened and I am mentally exhausted and almost ready to give up - but I am trying. I will keep you posted as I figure out what I am going to do. Best wishes! -Lisa
I don't know anyone personally here and I have not been on here long enough to make any real connections with anyone, but I have seen Joyce post some good advice to others over the last 8 months and I appreciate her taking the time to do so. Even if what you are saying about her is completely true (and I don't think it is), as a human, she is allowed t change her mind. I am not sure you keep attacking her because I am quite sure you have changed your mind about several things in your life as well - even about things you thought were so cut and dry.
Please take the time to look in the mirror - the obvious anger you feel toward others is only eating you. Everyone on here is trying to make the best decisions with as much information as they can gather and we are all trying to become healthier and happier. If your agenda is not to help others in their journey to do so, please stop posting and visiting as you are only posing as another pitfall for us to go around.
For those of you interested - in light of the information I have gathered on the AZ forum and the DS forum, I have decided to look for a competent DS surgeon in California. My journey has been lengthened and I am mentally exhausted and almost ready to give up - but I am trying. I will keep you posted as I figure out what I am going to do. Best wishes! -Lisa
StacysMom
on 3/18/10 3:41 pm
on 3/18/10 3:41 pm
Topic: RE: Finally decided...
"I understand that you have a passion to take down Schlesinger. "
Let me make something perfectly clear! I HAVE NO "PASSION" TO TAKE DOWN SCHLESINGER OR ANYONE ELSE!!
The only thing which concerns me is the lying and exaggerating of experience and outcomes on this board. This doctor said he had done 200 DS surgeries back in October of 2009 and, just based on his advertisement at the practices where he worked, this is impossible! Read on:
He worked for Barix clinics from the late 1990's until they closed down in AZ in August of 2006 - THEY DID NOT DO THE DS SURGERY THERE.
As far as anyone knows, he was AWOL from August of 2006 until the summer of 2007, when he turned up at AZWLS (Arizona Weight Loss Solutions, owned by Dr. Gitt) - and the AZWLS website made no mention of the DS as being one of the options that he performed.
Suddenly, he left AZWLS in February of 2009 (with no advance warning to patients, BTW) and turned up at Tempe St. Luke's in March of 2009, where their advertising and website made NO MENTION OF HIS PERFORMING THE DS!
Out of nowhere in October of 2009, a profile for Dr. Schlesinger popped up on OH where he represents himself as a DS surgeon with 200 of them under his "belt". And, at the same time, the DS was added as a surgical option at Tempe St. Luke's. So, one is to assume, from March of 2009 where he was setting up a brand new practice, to October of 2009 (THIS IS ONLY AN EIGHT MONTH PERIOD!), that this doctor became trained in and performed 200 DS surgeries?? This would include getting new patients in his pipeline and getting them through their insurance hoops (usually with 6 month diet requirements) and in surgery in such a short time. Add to that, the difficulty in getting an approval for the DS from any insurance company, which usually involves multiple rejections!
I DON'T THINK SO! I can certainly understand that the DS surgery is a great option to have available, however, I believe that a patient should know what they are getting when they are knocked out under anesthesia. If someone wants to be a "guinea pig" for this doctor to "cut his teeth" on, that is none of my business, however, they should know the truth and not just believe what some doctor tells them. This goes for ANY doctor, not just this one.
Let me make something perfectly clear! I HAVE NO "PASSION" TO TAKE DOWN SCHLESINGER OR ANYONE ELSE!!
The only thing which concerns me is the lying and exaggerating of experience and outcomes on this board. This doctor said he had done 200 DS surgeries back in October of 2009 and, just based on his advertisement at the practices where he worked, this is impossible! Read on:
He worked for Barix clinics from the late 1990's until they closed down in AZ in August of 2006 - THEY DID NOT DO THE DS SURGERY THERE.
As far as anyone knows, he was AWOL from August of 2006 until the summer of 2007, when he turned up at AZWLS (Arizona Weight Loss Solutions, owned by Dr. Gitt) - and the AZWLS website made no mention of the DS as being one of the options that he performed.
Suddenly, he left AZWLS in February of 2009 (with no advance warning to patients, BTW) and turned up at Tempe St. Luke's in March of 2009, where their advertising and website made NO MENTION OF HIS PERFORMING THE DS!
Out of nowhere in October of 2009, a profile for Dr. Schlesinger popped up on OH where he represents himself as a DS surgeon with 200 of them under his "belt". And, at the same time, the DS was added as a surgical option at Tempe St. Luke's. So, one is to assume, from March of 2009 where he was setting up a brand new practice, to October of 2009 (THIS IS ONLY AN EIGHT MONTH PERIOD!), that this doctor became trained in and performed 200 DS surgeries?? This would include getting new patients in his pipeline and getting them through their insurance hoops (usually with 6 month diet requirements) and in surgery in such a short time. Add to that, the difficulty in getting an approval for the DS from any insurance company, which usually involves multiple rejections!
I DON'T THINK SO! I can certainly understand that the DS surgery is a great option to have available, however, I believe that a patient should know what they are getting when they are knocked out under anesthesia. If someone wants to be a "guinea pig" for this doctor to "cut his teeth" on, that is none of my business, however, they should know the truth and not just believe what some doctor tells them. This goes for ANY doctor, not just this one.
Topic: RE: Rough 2 weeks...Had an EDG
Hi Jeannie,
I am sorry you have been having a ruff time the last couple of weeks. I was really worried about you. Hope the Doc gets you straightened out. Hope to see you soon at the support meetings.
Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything.
(((Hugs)))
I am sorry you have been having a ruff time the last couple of weeks. I was really worried about you. Hope the Doc gets you straightened out. Hope to see you soon at the support meetings.
Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything.
(((Hugs)))
Wendy 
1st fill 4cc, 2nd fill 1.5cc 3rd fill 1.5cc 4th fill .5 Total 7.5 cc in my 11cc Realize Band.
Reached 1st goal weight 158 on 6/8/10, My Starting weight 235
Hit final goal of 145 10/25/10
Current weight 143
If you work the band the band will work for you.
1st fill 4cc, 2nd fill 1.5cc 3rd fill 1.5cc 4th fill .5 Total 7.5 cc in my 11cc Realize Band.
Reached 1st goal weight 158 on 6/8/10, My Starting weight 235
Hit final goal of 145 10/25/10
Current weight 143
If you work the band the band will work for you.
Topic: RE: Rough 2 weeks...Had an EDG
Hey Jeannie! I wondered where you'd been! I'm so sorry for the pain you've been in but it sounds like you've got the fix to get back on track! Egg drop soup always makes my upset pouch feel better.
Did you see the post about the guest speaker for next month? Dr. Goodhall answered our request and invited a sex therapist to speak to us! Wooooo Hooooooo! It's about relationships too and not just the intimacy issues. 3rd Weds at 4:30
Take care of you and keep us posted on how you're doing, K?!!!
Huggggzzz,
Joyce
Did you see the post about the guest speaker for next month? Dr. Goodhall answered our request and invited a sex therapist to speak to us! Wooooo Hooooooo! It's about relationships too and not just the intimacy issues. 3rd Weds at 4:30
Take care of you and keep us posted on how you're doing, K?!!!
Huggggzzz,
Joyce
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