I went to my first one last night. It was a real eye opener.

I learned that over time all I should be able to eat is 8 tablespoons of food per meal and that's it. I should be full after that. That blew my mind! I mean really when you think about it that's not much at all.

There were people there of all weights and sizes. It was neat to see the progress they are making. I was also given some shake recipes and some real food recipes that I can't wait to try.

Anyway it was fun. I'll definitely go back next month. I think I was the newest bandster there but I've done Weight Watchers so much in the past that even I had some good tips to add:)

I go to the support group offered by my doctor from time to time, but not often as it is an hour drive and at night. Don't like driving home in the dark.

I've never heard that I would be so restricted as to eat only 8 Tbspns.. and I'm 18 months out from surgery. That's equivalent to 1/2 cup. My NP says 1 cup is standard for lapbanders. I still go by the 3oz Protein and 1/2 cup of veggies. Little or no white carbs.

I actually get more and better support from the online groups at yahoo. SmartBandsters, DFWBandsters, SmarterBandsters & GraduateBandsters (for those banded 6 months or more). I think I like them better as I don't have to drive and don't have to wait a month to hear others opinions/advise. ::grin::

Glad you had a good time!!

My doctor requires you to attend like 6 meetings a year to get your fills.

I'll check out the sites you posted.

I go to a support group once a month. I really enjoy it. It always gives me something to think about. I too, live an hour away and don't like driving in the dark. I am lucky that my parents join me and do the driving. There support has meant a lot to me.

I go to a support group every month. I wish it was more like once a week, but the accountability and support you get from a support meeting is second to none. This is a hard journey and its best if you don't try to do it alone.

There are only about 12 people in the one I go to, and I really enjoy it. We have a great bariatric coach who leads it, and she really makes the meetings.

Absolutely!

Mine is an hour and a half (depending on ATL traffic) away but I do everything in my power to make sure that I get there every month.

The folks I have met in the group have been my inspiration and have also provided amazing advice along the way. I'm so thankful to have this group of people. I think the thing that makes the biggest difference is that the group I go to is Lap-Band specific as opposed to a general WLS group. We have such different issues/needs and experiences that it means a lot to be able to focus mainly on the band.

If you haven't gone to one, give it a try. It may not be for you, but you won't know unless you try. You may be pleasantly surprised!

gracerev

I was debating on going to the lap band support group here. Just wasn't sure it would be for me or find it helpful for the effort. But you're right Grace it doesn't hurt to try just one. I have come to love this site and forum. I have received such great and informative advice. I'm on here through out the day almost everyday reading the stories. I hope you all know what wonderful people you are and I for one appreciate everyones input. Thank you for helping me through my first week post op <3

In the anonymity of this board, I am very open and relaxed and can discuss any subject. But in a room full of people I would feel so self conscious. I am still pre-op but my Dr wants me to go to at least 2 support groups pre-banding. I've been putting it off but if I want to get banded in December I have to go this month and next. :biggrin:

My surgeon has one weekly. If you go to 6, you get a free fill. One of these days after the kids football season is over, I might actually get to make one. The meetings occur just as football practice starts.

In the anonymity of this board, I am very open and relaxed and can discuss any subject. But in a room full of people I would feel so self conscious. I am still pre-op but my Dr wants me to go to at least 2 support groups pre-banding. I've been putting it off but if I want to get banded in December I have to go this month and next. :biggrin:

I was just like you--open and free when no one could see me, then clam up in person. Well, I had to attend three monthly meetings in order for my insurance to approve. Since I had to go, I went. I didn't say a word, and I didn't have to. The group is about 20 members, but there were so many experienced bandsters there, I didn't really need to talk. I just sat and listened and took in every bit of information I could get. I really enjoyed them, so much so that I still go monthly even after it's no longer required. Like someone else posted, "Try it, you might like it!"

I have been several times with my husband who had gastric bypass and I LOVED them. It's amazing! Everyone has to stand up and say their name, surgery date and progerss they have made. Their stories are very inspiring!! I have cried tears of joy for some of these people. I would recommend it to anyone!

I feel like I cannot go now that I've had surgery though! I feel too discriminated against by the others there because I am so much smaller than they are. My BMI at surgery was 32. I could hear people talking about me at the consultation meeting thay I had at attend prior to surgery. It was awful! I don't want to have to feel like that again!! :biggrin:

I feel like I cannot go now that I've had surgery though! I feel too discriminated against by the others there because I am so much smaller than they are. My BMI at surgery was 32. I could hear people talking about me at the consultation meeting thay I had at attend prior to surgery. It was awful! I don't want to have to feel like that again!! :biggrin:

You need to report that to the support group leader or your doctor.. depending on where you heard them talking about you. Either way, it may be a violation of the HIPPA act.

It would make me mad too.. but mad enough that I'd show up in my nicest looking outfit and kill them all with kindness.

You need to report that to the support group leader or your doctor.. depending on where you heard them talking about you. Either way, it may be a violation of the HIPPA act.

It would make me mad too.. but mad enough that I'd show up in my nicest looking outfit and kill them all with kindness.

LMAO!! You rock! It wasnt a privacy violation, they can see me! It was in a general information session and there were people sitting behind me that I could hear. I did good not to turn around and give them a piece of my mind!

I know they arent the only ones. When I went for pre-op tests, the technicians would also make comments! I really don't care what anyone thinks but I'm not going to put myself in that situation if I dont have to.

I thought you needed to be close a BMI of 40 or more to be considered for weight loss surgery?? I know my insurance required a BMI of 40 or more for them to cover it.... So maybe that is where I got that number from.

I really want to attend a meeting but there are none in my area :biggrin:

I dont go its too late a night and there is no way i am leaving out of my house at that time. I do wish i had friends though cause my hubby will be going to iraq next year and ill be all alone :biggrin: