OR - Portland

[PdxMan 4,292]

There will be no perfect place, for sure. I am West (185th, North of 26) and Aloha is also West (just a bit South of me). We also have one in Beaverton and Hillsboro.

That is why I thought Providence St V would be a good choice as it is at the intersection of Hwy 26 and Hwy 217. But alas, Providence has denied my request. I appealed, and just received word back from their PR person that they would encourage me to continue my search elsewhere.

So, I have submitted requests to Emanuel/Good Sam and a couple churches in downtown Portland. As far as a rotating location, it may be difficult as another member who has reached out to me shared she organized a meeting a couple months ago through Facebook, I believe, and had 25 people show up. So, I think we are looking at a pretty large group, especially once we get things rolling.

If anybody has associations with a location which could hold up to, let's say, 40 people, please let me know.

[lauravt 5]

Sometimes community centers offer space for free or cheap. Also grange halls.

Hospitals that have their own support groups might not be prone to helping.

I have a large home and might be up for having a gathering there.

I have direct contact with over 200 portland/Vancouver/Salem wls peeps

[Ageekygal 38]

I work at Legacy Emanuel Hopsital so I can see if they have a place for us to use free. It's located in North Portland and easy to get to from my side of town (I live in Beaverton).

Since bariatric surgery is done at one of Legacy's other Hospitals (Good Samaritan) they may be more amenable with a group there. There are several staff members who have had the surgery too. I know they have pregnancy meetings all the time but they are run by one of their staff. I have not had my surgery yet (will be late Oct or Nov.) so will see what they think.

[awold0 246]

I work at Legacy Emanuel Hopsital so I can see if they have a place for us to use free. It's located in North Portland and easy to get to from my side of town (I live in Beaverton).

Since bariatric surgery is done at one of Legacy's other Hospitals (Good Samaritan) they may be more amenable with a group there. There are several staff members who have had the surgery too. I know they have pregnancy meetings all the time but they are run by one of their staff. I have not had my surgery yet (will be late Oct or Nov.) so will see what they think.

Just a shout out to say I miss beaverton!!!! I am so home sick. I live in Texas now and to just hear you guys talk about 217 and beaverton makes me sad! I moved 2.5 years ago. I wish I was there with you guys.

[KristinaRnY 455]

Sometimes community centers offer space for free or cheap. Also grange halls. <br><br> Hospitals that have their own support groups might not be prone to helping. <br><br> I have a large home and might be up for having a gathering there. <br><br> I have direct contact with over 200 portland/Vancouver/Salem wls peeps

Laura your pic looks so familiar, did you happen to speak at one of the kaiser classes in sunnyside?

[lauravt 5]

I have spoken at several kaiser mtgs! Live giving and getting support from the community!

[KristinaRnY 455]

I knew it was you

[PdxMan 4,292]

Just heard from Legacy. The application for meeting space is in review.

[grro 2]

Hello everyone,

I just found out about this forum. I had a gastric sleeve surgery on May 23rd.

I would like to share my experience with others and hear about other people experience as well.

[VanLearRosePDX 0]

I'm currently seeing Dr. Reavis, trodding through all the hurry up and wait from BCBS of Michigan. I would love to get to know everyone.

[VanLearRosePDX 0]

Went to my "welcome" meeting today to get set up for 6 month "plan." Met some support specialists (dietician, PT and psychologist). Really nice group of folks! It did seem scarier though as it means I am now on the difficult journey to being sleeved!! <br><br>

While there I had my BMI and some other weight to muscle test, EKG and took the written psych eval. I go back for 2 appointments on May 8. <br><br>

I found out there are really 4 surgeons to choose from! Now I am more confused.... Anyone have any experience having their surgery by Dr. Patterson, Dr. Halpin, Dr. Jan or Dr. Reavis? I would love to know your experience! <br><br>

My husband came with me as he was still hoping I won't get the surgery--that by some miracle the "plan" by itself will be enough. I think the videos and talks have helped him realize a miracle is unlikely to happen and surgery is indeed in my future.

[kayleena_journey2014 37]

I'm across the bridge in vancouver I will be banded June 28th

Keep in touch

[Ageekygal 38]

VanLearrRosePDX--I am thinking of having Dr. Reavis do my surgery! Have you met him yet?

[PdxMan 4,292]

From Legacy/Good Sam:

We are unable to honor your request for meeting room space. The group must be non-profit and part of a 501c. Our meeting space is very limited. I apologize we are not able to offer you meeting space at this time.

Still trying ...

[Rovobay 920]

try public libraries.

https://multcolib.org/public-meeting-rooms

I know legacy good sam already has support group meetings ran by Oregon Weight and Diabetes Institute. like this one: https://www.eventsvc.com/legacyhealth/event/bd9e7f0f-31a1-4aa5-bd4a-d18526c47622