Hi I'm Rennae, I've been looking for local support groups and fitness pals in my area. But it doesn't seem to be that many or they're out there and I just haven't found them yet.

DEAR RENNAE: be persistent and stong, i weighed 415 before my bypass.steadyas u go.congrats on the weight loss thus far.soon u will be under 300!Celebrate good tiimes. i know u willlsoe it alll if u just tell urself that ur worth it. love and peace out,abbagirl

Thank you so much. Its nice having a place you can speak your mind and with people who understand.

I'm from NoVa. Havent gotten surgery yet, but im scheduled for April 29

Hi, I live in NoVa too. Had my surgery on March 17, 2014 at Fair Oaks hospital. Everything went great!

I live in the nova area. Surgery is on Monday!

Dear Bittany...all the best to u adn God's blessings to u on Monddddday.let us know how ur doing ok?

help i am eatin geverything in sigh tpresurgery: my father was airlifted to yale hospital last night with two aneurysms on eaortic the other abdominal. he is refusing surgery and i am going bananas. plz pray fo rme and for BOB.thanks

I live in the nova area. Surgery is on Monday!

Good Luck with everything!

help i am eatin geverything in sigh tpresurgery: my father was airlifted to yale hospital last night with two aneurysms on eaortic the other abdominal. he is refusing surgery and i am going bananas. plz pray fo rme and for BOB.thanks

So sorry Martha! I hope everything ends up being okay.

@marathongirl...hang in there. You're "stress eating" now and its okay ad long as you don't go overboard. Sending your dad well-wishes to gain courage. You too are being tested for your strength...you can do it.

Hi Rennae,

I live in Maryland and I hear you on the lack of support groups. I think so many of us are in the "closest" about our surgery which is why there just aren't that many groups. The only ones I've found are 1 in Arlington, VA and I hear there's one at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Hopefully someone will start a DMV chapter of Bariatric Pal that we can join

@@Marathongirl I will keep you and your father in my prayers. Also, or know its hard but try substituting some of what you're eating for some fruit to help you get back on track. Hang in there. You'll be ok.

I'm feeling a little down today. But not discouraged. I've lost a couple of pounds but lately its been stuck at the same weight. I know its good im not gaining weight. I think its has to do with me not being able to workout because of severe pain. My vitamin d levels keep dropping. My surgeon put me back on the prescription vitamin d (once every 5 days for 12 weeks) instead of my usual once evey 7 days regimen. I also had to see my Orthopedic because I injured my arm and have bone pain. I have Osteoarthritis due to prolonged exposure to low vitamin d levels. Now it has spread throughout my body and he has recommended I see a Rheumatologist. I want to be able to workout so bad. But I dont want to keep straining or fracturing my bones. I've already had a broken ankle, leg, toe, tail bone, both wrist, and almost all of my fingers. Just needed to vent.

Dear Marathongirl: thankuvery much for urprayers for my dad,i covet them. and auroragrirl---do u have osteoporosis? it sounds like u need a bone density test. how's ur Calcium level?i am sorry ur really goin gthru it. can u walk? walking is the best workout---at least to start with ,ur in my prayers.love and peace

Hello Rennae there are support groups in the area. Check out MedStar facilities. For example, MedStar Montgomery in Olney, MD meets once a month at the hospital and same thing with MedStar Southern Maryland and MedStar Georgetown. Also members in those groups also meet outside of the monthly meeting. Hope this helps!

I live in olney/ Rockville MD! Would love to have a support group or find one as I am struggling! Had surgery March 29th.. Gained 10 pounds after surgery and finally losing again.. So would love a support group!