How many of you go to a support group? Are they worth it? I find that using this site helps! My Doc office says I should go to meetings. What are your thoughts?

I would go to the support groups. Mine meets once a month and I found the first one I went to very educational.

I didn't like the support group my doctor offered at first. It met at night, It's an hour's drive, I didn't like the facilitator/leader, there were loud-mouths there that wouldn't let me speak.. etc. etc.

So for the first few months I didn't go, I used email support groups. This site is ok, but I really prefer SmartBandsters at yahoo groups. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters, and some others on yahoo (do a search on the groups site, you'll find more).

The reason I prefer the smartBandsters group is that one of the moderators is a nurse who works in bariatrics and has been banded herself for 12 years. Nothing like having someone who's very experienced sharing with those who are learning the way of the band. ::grin::

I do go to the in person support group now.. but mainly because it gives me an opportunity to go shopping in another town before the group meeting.. haha.

I'd say give your local group a try..if it's not a good fit, try some other venues. But do get support.. and from multiple sources. And if some group isn't a good fit, give them a retry after a while, sometimes things improve. My group did.. the loud-mouths have quieted down.

I like going to the support groups, I get a lot of information. I attend one for just the band and also a combo meeting with bypass people also. I have my Dr appointment tomorrow to hopefully set a date.

I also have the band group tomorrow night. Good luck in whatever you decide, if you on here your on the right track too!

I started going to the support groups two weeks prior to surgery and have continued going weekly since (even made it out to the group the night after surgery). I love going to the group, its nice for me to be in a room full of people who you know have gone through or is going through the same things you are. I learn a lot from the people who have been there a while and am now in a position myself to share my story with new people. For me its a great feeling and keeps me motivated :-)