Please welcome Julie and Karen! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

MiladyB · 11-06-2006, 09:45 AM

Hey everyone, I would like you all to welcome Julie Janeway and Karen Sparks. They are post-op patients from the same bariatric practice that I went to. They are also becoming my mentors in my future as a support group leader.

Julie and Karen are the co-authors of a wonderful weight loss surgery book, "The REAL Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery: An Indispensable Guide to What You Can REALLY Expect!" It's a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone who has had wls or who might be considering it! Its easy to read and humorous. It is also packed full of information! I read it pre-op and still refer back to it.

Karen and Julie are also teachers of support group leaders and go to bariatric practices teaching the staff. They are the ones who are going to train me. They also run their own support groups in Michigan. I'm thrilled that they have wandered on to Thinner Times! They are an indespensable source of knowledge and support for us. They honestly want to help. They are both post wls patients who are 3 years post-op and know their stuff! Their mission is to support and educate and they accomplish that mission with an energy and heart that blows me away!

So, everyone, please welcome them!

JJ Girl · 11-08-2006, 09:45 AM

Karen and Julie are the most informed GBS mentors I have ever seen. They are brilliant and if anyone in Michigan has a chance to visit our Lansing or Jackson support groups you will learn a wealth of information.

Julie and Karen are involved in teaching and support on a national level and have connections you would not believe. Many of those connections end up at our monthy support group meetings.

Plus...... they are fun fun fun!

Bypassingme619 · 11-08-2006, 12:54 PM

Welcome Julie and Karen. It is always great to have great resources and people to further educate us about this wonderful tool. Ok Beth I know I might be a lot late but I am guessing you got the JOB

. If so, BIG CONGRATS. I am so so so HAPPY for you. Since the birth of my angel I have missed out on so much that is going on with you guys, I feel so bad. Big Hugs.

MiladyB · 11-08-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bypassingme619

Welcome Julie and Karen. It is always great to have great resources and people to further educate us about this wonderful tool. Ok Beth I know I might be a lot late but I am guessing you got the JOB

. If so, BIG CONGRATS. I am so so so HAPPY for you. Since the birth of my angel I have missed out on so much that is going on with you guys, I feel so bad. Big Hugs.

Well, Denise, I didn't get the job at my surgeon's office. It seems there was a policy in place that keeps them from hiring any of their patients. I was pretty frustrated, disappointed and a bit upset. I ended up turning to these two wonderful women (Karen & Julie) hoping for some words of wisdom and a sense of direction. I received both from them. They will be training me in January to be a support group leader. I will eventually be the leader for a support group in my area. It is a volunteer position at this time, so I will still be working at the Burn Center. But as Julie said to me, "You never know where this might lead." So I am going into this with faith and we shall see what happens. I'm excited about this venture and I am thrilled to have both Julie and Karen there to teach me, mentor me and encourage me.

How are things going for you, momma? I hope your little one is letting you get some rest. It can be quite an adjustment having a new one in the house but it is also a HUGE blessing.

Take care of yourself, my dear!