Forming a Southern Indiana Support Group...finally!

Yayyyyyyy!!!!!  I'm finally getting a support group together in Southern Indiana.  When I say Southern Indiana....I mean Southern Indiana.  It will be held in Spencer County in my conference room.  I got permission from American Electric Power, who owns the building my office is located in, to hold the meetings here.  I'll be getting some information from St. Vs to use at the meetings.  My family dr may be involved as well.  I'm really thrilled about this!   I so need a support group. Have a great day! jacqui

Jacqui, A few other source suggestions... Guest speakers: Reps from weight loss related businesses such as  Sports equipment store (one time, a rep for running shoes came and spoke at the St. V's support group about the importance of choosing the right shoe for the right exercise...often, they'll distribute coupons to those who are there), Health food store rep (ie GNC) to speak of different proteins, etc available...you might could even get some good coupons from them!, Reps from local exercise facilities. Those from the medical community: dieticians, county health nurse (prevention of childhood obesity would be a good topic), plastic surgeons, chiropractor (this would be good because so many of us discover bones we never thought we had before!), physicians, bariatric surgeons. Source for handouts: Other than those with the above speakers, you might want to drop ObesityHelp a note. I know that they have their own program for those who are interested in hosting support group meetings. They even offer classes, etc., I would also contact the usual weight loss groups such as TOPS since they might not would mind sharing their material with you...I doubt Weigh****chers would since they charge membership fees. Special topics of Interest: Yeah, we'd all be interested in how to lose our weight quickly & safely, but I think getting one step off of that would be beneficial such as: the importance of vitamins, protein, water, and all the other nutrients, the difference between cardio and strength exercises, how do we know what kind of fats or carbs are good or bad?, what should we be looking for when we read a food label?, Do I carb up before I exercise? Or Protein up afterwards? Or?,  If you look around in SparkPeople.com, it can help you come up with other ideas to talk with prospective guests about possibly speaking to your group about. I think it's very exciting that you guys are starting this up!!!! Best of wishes with it! Maybe later in the year, if you'd like, some of us 'oldies' can come down for a meeting if you'd like one to where newbies & pre-ops have an opportunity to ask us whatever. I went to one like this and the common question seemed to be 'Am I gonna lose my hair????'. lol. I know for myself, I'd be willing to speak about complications if you'd want that as a possible topic sometime. Sherri

Wow Sherri!  Thanks for the input!  Any way you are healed enough to come down here and organize this for me?  lol!  You have listed some FANTASTIC ideas.  I didn't realize how badly I needed a group.  I never would've thought of this stuff.  You are AMAZING! Jacqui

Sure, you would have thought of this stuff too! It just takes a little brain-storming. Sit down with pen and paper & write down anything & everything that affects your health..especially your eating & exercise habits. And then write down anyone, anything, anyplace that could help to improve those and in what way. Hon, if I was ok enough, you know I'd be right there to help all I could! But then again, if I were....I'd be expected to be at work..lol. I'll be right here cheering you on!!! Sherri

I don't know Sherri, I don't think my brain works like most people's...lol! I wish you were ok enough to come down and help too.  I will be taking you up on that visit to discuss complications though.  Maybe it can be worked around your camping trip to Santa Claus. I'm so glad you're on my team.  YOU ROCK! Smooches, Jacqui

Jaqui- Please let me know when you start.  I live in Dale and will be having band surgery in April.  I will be going to Evansville once a month but think it would be great to have local support. Thanks! Sherie

Sherie, I think it will probably start sometime in April.  I'm leaving for vacation in a week.  I'd also like to talk to the papers and see if they will run a story about it.  I have a pretty good relationship with The Leader and the JD so I'm hoping they'll work with me.  I'll be sure to let you know.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.  What is the exact date?  I'll try to come visit!  Are you going to Deaconess or St. Mary's?  Whichever, good luck! So glad you replied.  I hope we can meet each other real soon. Jacqui

Jacqui- Sounds great--keep me informed! I don't have an exact date yet, find out on March 28th.  Dr. Haughn  (St. Mary's) is my surgeon for lap band and there is no waiting list.  I'm getting so excited to know that it is really going to happen! Sherie

Hey jacqui that sounds great!!  I go to the one at Memorial when my schedule allows with the thime difference.  I don't post on here often since I'm almost to years out but I still feel the need for the support group and love to talk about the surgery so please let me know the details. Thanks Tina Email:  [email protected]

Yayyyy Tina!  I'm hoping there will be others too who have had the surgery and will want to participate.  I'm only 5 months out and I need some input from you more experienced people.  Watch for announcements sometime in April and I'll send you an email about it as well. Maybe we can meet up for lunch/dinner sometime before then. Have a great weekend. Jacqui