Help for those having weightloss operation

Press, 12 September 1988, Page 14

Help for those having weightloss operation

Since having her stomach stapled twelve months ago, Maureen Haynes of Christchurch has lost 100 kilos.

Now Maureen and nine other local people who have had this operation have started a Gastric Stapling Support Group. They say they have lost nearly 1000 kilos between them. The group wants to support not only those who have had their stomachs stapled, but those who are overweight and thinking of having it done.

Says Maureen: “There isn’t enough known about this operation, and it is a help to talk to someone who has had it, to learn all the pros and cons. “We were all fatties and we all had to put up with the fat jokes and slingoffs. We know how you feel.” •

Those interested can phone ‘ Maureen at 660077.

Day care centre

The Ellesmere Daycare Centre, 138 High Street, Leeston, needs more children.

Margaret McCormick, the owner-supervisor, is sure there are many parents in the area who would use the centre — if

they knew of its existence. Margaret is a mother of four, a Karitane nurse, has a Playcentre certificate, and has done a childcare course at a teachers’ college. She has a staff of four. The centre operates from an old house, and has all the usual equipment, outside and inside. The sleeping room has five cots and there is a special area for the under twos..

Margaret prides herself on providing a loving, caring environment where children can learn through play and interaction with other children. Parents are welcome at any time. ' Costs are $2.80 per hour or $16.80 for a full sixhour day, with reductions for more than one child from the same family. Children who attend for five full days are given a day free. Subsidies are available for those who need them. Parents and children are welcome to drop in any week-day between 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Women's Awareness Day Country women will have an opportunity to explore issues of concern

during a “Women’s Awareness Day” at West Melton Community Centre on Wednesday. Rural safety and self-defence are on the agenda, and there will be a speaker from the Christchurch Polytechnic. The day starts at 9.30 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Tea will be provided.

Mixed blessing

Full-time mothering can be very demanding and stressful, leaving few opportunities to take a break or to get out and meet other people. A group of women and their children from the inner city east area have recently started meeting at 274 Gloucester St (opposite Christchurch East School) on a Tuesday, from 10.15 a.m. to 12.15

p.m. to chat, have fun, and discuss issues of concern. A free creche is provided. The group plans to invite speakers and go on low-cost outings from time to time.

Anyone interested in joining ' the group — whether a new or old hand at the job - is welcome. For more information, or if you need a lift phone Penny at 657-707.