Bham Support Group

Brenda has graciously agreed to take over the support group meetings for Lisa and Kevin effective the March 2008 meeting on. Kevin and I will be moving and unable to continue the meetings. We will leave this webpage up, since everyone knows it, for the Birmingham Support Group, and update it for Brenda and the members, with the meeting dates, and any information Brenda needs, including important links, etc. So keep checking back for updates, as this will still be one of the primary resources of information for you to get information. Brenda is in the process of obtaining her ObesityHelp Leader certification and should have that completed within the next week or so. Kevin and I will update you on our move & info in the near future. Thanks to everyone for the last 5 - 6 years of attending our support group meetings and all the great meetings and fun! We will miss you. 4/7/08!

There are years and years of pictures (hundreds of them)... so check them out. They are from this and my previous support groups, AMOS friends, various WLS friends. We are still uploading them, as there are SO many, updating captions and dates. Many dates have to be corrected, as we had to date them all the same to get them to group together correctly.

Meetings are normally on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. (always check calendar for current meeting date and time)

** Note: Scroll to the bottom of this page for support groups in other cities in Alabama if you have problems attending ours because of your schedule or the drive.

Support is important in all stages of weight loss surgery. From those just learning about surgery, to those scheduled to have surgery to those several years post-op, everyone needs support. We encourage you to join us each month to talk & learn about pre-op & post-op experiences and care.

Pre-ops: Come and meet others who know what you are going through, who have been there. Ask questions and find out what is in store for you if you choose to have weight loss surgery. A whole new life awaits you, but you should know the risks and the joys of what is to come.

Post-ops: Come share your stories with others who can learn from your experiences. Discuss post-op aftercare and take charge of your new health & life. Be sure to bring your before picture for us to see.

Family members and friends are welcome, as they are also an important part of our support system.

If you would like to join us in making the most of your WLS experience, then mark your calendar & plan on coming. We can't wait to see you there!

Visit the Association for Morbid Obesity Support (AMOS) at ObesityHelp.com Website

* Note: All meetings are subject to change - ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE GOING TO A MEETING TO MAKE SURE THE MEETING IS STILL BEING HELD.

2007 Meetings:
December 8, 2007 Off Schedule due to holidays	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1-4 p.m. Room 2-B * New article handouts, letters of attendance for those who need them for insurance company. Round table discussion: Preparation for surgery (both LapBand & RNY), Aftercare, Weight Regain, Emotional Issues/Food Addiction, Swapping Obsessions, etc. *Note: We had 2 new members (lap band) which we were thrilled to meet!! Such a joy to have new members and hope you learned alot and had a great time. Sorry we forgot to take pics!!!!!

November 10, 2007 Off Schedule due to holidays**	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1-4 p.m. Room 2-B We had new and return members which is always great! We discussed the problems with "process" before surgery and how to go about handling those problems. These problems seem to be an ongoing problem and we try our best to help the patients through those times and make them better. We had TONS of new handouts and articles for those who attended, tables full (we are running out of room! :) We did forget to take pictures of our new members, as we ran long on the meeting and time got away from us! SOOO sorry, so be sure we take pictures this next time! We got just a few at the end. Will post them soon.
October 27, 2007 * RESCHEDULED TO 4TH SATURDAY THIS MONTH**	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1-4 p.m. Room 2-B Had new members (YAY) and return members (YAY YAY) which is so great for both!!!! We absolutely always have the best time. Check out our pictures on google (link up above). It was SO nice to meet those of you who were new, answer questions. I hope it helped like it seemed to. We always learn SO much. I have to get new handouts for the next meeting!!!! We went to visit 2 brand new post-ops from ObesityHelp that had just had surgery, over in the hospital that I had gotten emailed about, and that was SO much fun. We took pics to send to one's mom, and met a lady who will be coming to the meeting next month!!!! It's always such a joy to meet new people. We had such a blast. We were there for like 8 hours between the meeting and visiting... wow what a day!!!! And thanks Brenda for going to visit with us! The next meeting is just in a couple weeks - November 10th !!!!
September 15, 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1-4 p.m. Room 2-A * New article handouts, new picture website to share, take pictures for everyone, restaurant cards, letters of attendance for those who need them for insurance company. Round table discussion: Preparation for surgery (both LapBand & RNY), Aftercare, Weight Regain, Emotional Issues/Food Addiction, Swapping Obsessions, etc. *Note: We had an absolute blast and really enjoyed meeting the new ones and seeing the returning members! We always have such a great time!!!!!
August 18, 2007	Saturday Morning Meeting 10 am - 2 pm Room 2-A Special Meeting Special Speaker: Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Clement Cotter *Click on his name to go his website (there is also a photo gallery, along with surgery information on each procedure.) Dr. Cotter spoke, had a DVD presentation, answered questions, AND brought a Bariatric patient who had had several procedures to show the after results and talk about her experiences, which was absolutely AWESOME! Thank you! We had food and beverages for everyone, and after a break, around 12:15-12:30 we began our normal monthly WLS Support Group Meeting, which was very productive and informative. Thanks to Dr. Cotter, his special guest, and all of our members that attended this very important meeting!!!! You can click on Dr. Cotter's name above to visit his website.
July 21. 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1-4 p.m. Room 2-B * New article handouts, bring your photos, we will take photos for you, have beverages, restaurant cards. Round table discussion. Information on aftercare, pre-op preparation, upcoming WLS cruise, new protein pills. Bring those clothes to participate in swapping clothes!!!! Get information on next month's special speaker, Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Clement Cotter! He's coming out special for us on a Saturday! Thank You!!!!!!
June 16. 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1-4 p.m. (Room 2-B)
May 19, 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1 - 4 p.m. (Room 2-B)
April 21, 2007	Oak Mountain State Park (Annual Event - R.S.V.P.) http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/absreunion/
March 17, 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1 -4 p.m. (Room 2-B).
February 17, 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1 -4 p.m. (Room 2-B). Round Table Discussion. A special thanks to Dr. Clement Cotter, Plastic Surgeon, for stopping by to talk with us & answer questions and discuss setting a future meeting for our group to attend on "Reconstructive Surgery after Bariatric Surgery". We tentatively will set a meeting in April or Mary. Check back for more info.
January 27, 2007	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1 - 4 p.m. (Postponed from 1/20 to 1/27) Met in Room 2-B upstairs instead of 2-A.
2006 Meetings:

December 9, 2006	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1 - 4 p.m.
November 11, 2006	Saturday Afternoon Meeting 1 - 4 p.m. Michelle, the Bariatric Coordinator with Cahaba Valley Surgical Group joined to talk and to help alleviate some of the pre-surgery approval stress by answering specific questions about paperwork & the approval process. Thanks Michelle!
October 23, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
October 14, 2006	Special Saturday Meeting 1 - 4 p.m.
September 25, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
-----------------------	No Saturday Meeting this month
August 28, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
August 12, 2006	Special Saturday Meeting 1 - 3 or 4 p.m.
July 24, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
July 15, 2006	Special Saturday Meeting 1 - 3 p.m.
June 26, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
June 10, 2006	Special Saturday Meeting 1 - 4 p.m.
May 22, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
April 24, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
March 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Met at Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurant across from the Hospital.
February 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Met at Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurant across from the Hospital.
January 23, 2006	Monday Evening Meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
2005 Meetings:
** We have cancelled November & December meetings since they fell at the holidays. We tried to get a room reserved for another time, but were not able to in time. We will definitely meet at our regular time in January, listed below, but also try to schedule a Saturday gathering in late January or February, so that more people can attend, so keep a watch for information to be posted on here & the group site closer to time!!! Happy Holidays everyone.

December 2005 ***	MAY BE RESCHEDULED-CHECK BACK FOR MORE INFO

November 2005 ***	MAY BE RESCHEDULED-CHECK BACK FOR MORE INFO
October 24, 2005	Meet in the Shelby Hospital parking lot behind the parking deck in front of the Administrative Bldg. from 6pm-6:30pm & we will clothes swap in parking lot like last month. We will take a head count for how many we have & since we had SUCH a great turn-out last month, we will go across to Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurant at 6:30pm again. We will arrange the tables differently this month so everyone gets to visit with everyone else. Bring your questions, support pals, clothes and anything else you want & join us for a great social time with WLS friends. We always enjoy the meetings and learn so much. If you have something you'd like to share, bring that too. Can't wait to see you then! Email me by Sunday if you have any questions. Call my cell on Monday evening if you are running late and can't be there for the head count by 6:30 & want us to save you a seat! If you are new & not been able to join us before, please feel free to come. We'd love you have you! Check out the support meeting dates page of my website for more info. P.S. Last month we had 11 attendees & of the post-ops, we had lost a total of 1188 lbs.!!!! Awesome job guys!!!!!!
September 26, 2005	We will be meeting at the Admin Bldg. behind the parking deck at Shelby Hospital where we always meet, (but in the parking lot) at 6:30. We will do a head-count & then go across the street at 6:45 to have light appetizers (you can purchase your own meals & drinks if you like); enjoy great company & conversation (as usual) We hope you can join us as we always have a great time!!!!
August 22, 2005	Round table discussion (pre-op questions/post-op aftercare). Bring a friend or family support member! Light snacks (like: Sugar Free Punch/Water/Meat & Cheese). Bring those clothes you can't wear anymore & hopefully pick some up that you can!!!!
July 25, 2005	Round table discussion (pre-op questions/post-op aftercare). Bring a friend or family support member! Light snacks (like: Sugar Free Punch/Water/Meat & Cheese). Bring those clothes you can't wear anymore & hopefully pick some up that you can!!!!
June 27, 2005	We have Dr. Clement Cotter (Plastic Surgeon) as key speaker at this month's meeting. If time permits afterwards, we will have "round-table" discussion, with light snacks & beverages, clothing exchange and meeting great people (pre-op, post-op, and friend/family support members alike). Pre-op & Post-Op picture-taking too. Doors will open at 6pm this month.

May 23, 2005	*** Note new meeting location above. Round table discussion (pre-op questions/post-op aftercare). Bring a friend or family support member! Light snacks (Sugar Free Punch/Water/Meat & Cheese tray). Bring those clothes you can't wear anymore & hopefully pick some up that you can!!!!

April 25, 2005	Meeting held at Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurant across from Shelby Baptist Hospital in back meeting room. Dinner provided.

March 28, 2005	Round Table Discussion (Last meeting at Community Center)

February 22, 2005 **Date Change-Registration Required	Informational meeting on the changes in Requirements for Pre-Certification and new Insurance Company Requirements regarding WLS. Presented by Cahaba Valley Surgical Group, PC.

January 24, 2005	Round table discussion (pre-op questions/post-op aftercare). Take before/after pictures. Bring a friend or family support member!

2004 Meetings:
December 27, 2004 *	*Canceled Note change below**

*December 14, 2004 (Tuesday)**	Rescheduled to this date due to the Holidays (check back for meeting info)

November 22, 2004 *	*Canceled Note change above**

October 25, 2004	Round table discussion, clothes swap, pictures, hand-outs, laminated restaurant cards

September 27, 2004	Round table discussion, clothes swap, pictures, hand-outs

August 23, 2004	Guest: Surgeon(s) from Cahaba Valley Surgical regarding WLS surgery **

July 26, 2004	Guest: Plastic Surgeon - Dr. Clement Cotter

We have been having support group meetings since September 2003. I only have information online for meetings back to July 2004.

Many have asked for information on other cities support groups because of the drive. As I locate them, I will post their information here. If you have information that will help others email it to me. Hope this helps someone. Please verify the information as valid and that you can attend before you make the drive!!!