I have been a lurker or member for over 3 years here. I have a definite interest in helping everyone understand WLS as I have come to know it and would be interested in sharing my experience, strength and hope as it relates to this vast journey.

I would like to believe we have enough WLS folks in the Portland, OR area to support meeting on a weekly basis. Once a month, we would have a cooking demonstration and perhaps a Saturday morning walk through Forest Park.

My drive would be to focus on self, creating nutritionally balanced meal plans integrated with proper exercise techniques for every level. This could be accomplished though demonstrations by myself as well as local folks who could presentations.

Portland is a great community focused metropolis and I believe our city will support our efforts.

Edited April 3, 201412 yr by PdxMan

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

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.

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.

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?

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

I knew it was you

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Keep in touch

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

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 ...

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

So was a place ever secured?

I am willing to help work on this.