Meetings will be held the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Everett and Carolyn Coolidge Volunteer Conference Center at Takoma Adventist Hospital, according to Tara Fortner of Greeneville.

   Fortner had the surgery in September 2004 and has lost 117 pounds so far.

   “Support is definitely what you need when you’re going through this,” Fortner said.

   During gastric bypass surgery, a patient’s stomach is divided into two sections. The smaller upper section of the stomach is then connected to a portion of the small intestines, bypassing the lower stomach. After the surgery, the patient’s stomach is smaller so they feel full faster and eat less. Also, because part of the stomach and small intestines were “bypassed,” fewer calories can be absorbed.

   Previously, the closest support group was in Johnson City, Fortner noted. “The group I went to gave me a lot of information and got me prepared for what I would be facing during and after the surgery,” she said. “It’s very important to have that support.”

   The first Greeneville meeting will be held Tuesday, May 17, from 6-7:30 p.m., Fortner said.

   “Anyone who has had the surgery, or is considering it, is invited,” she said. “Also, I would suggest that their families or support people come, too.”

   For more information, please call Tara Fortner at 636-1393 or email her at taragvdc123@yahoo.com.

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