All along my banding journey I've gotten most of my support online. The one live support group I attended was prior to banding, and it broke up before my surgery. I've never attended any RNY support group meetings, nor would I want to. Unless the representation of bandsters is significant, it's unlikely anything of use will be said at such a meeting.

I'm thrilled that my surgeon's office has finally realized this, and

will be holding separate support group meetings starting this month. If there are any Abkin/Bertha patients reading this who haven't been told (and that's probably all of you, since there's been little effort by the office to let people know about it, as far as I can tell), check out the website www.advancedlaparoscopicsurgeons.com and see the support group link. Though this fact is not mentioned on there, I have been assured that bandsters and RNY patients will be meeting

in separate rooms.

I'm definitely going on the March 25th, and look forward to meeting any other Abkin/Bertha bandsters there!

I'll be in there office tomorrow!! Hope the support group is still alive and thriving. My first visit it tomorrow to get things rolling along. I have sooo many questions.

Alexandra -

I am a patient of Dr. Bertha - I learned about the support groups from the office.

Why do you think you band slipped?? Just curious?

Did you insurance cover being re-banded?

I have Dr. Bertha for my surgeon. I have a Jly 29th surgical date at St Clare's Dover. I have not attended any of the support group meetings prior to this because I travel extensively, and have not been home when they meet. I will make it a point after the surgery.