i wasn't sure i was going to go to any, because i feel so very well supported here in the forum. my group requires you to attend one, and i had done that the same evening i went to the info session (the support group follows the info session every month).

there were only four people there who had had their surgery already, myself and one other woman who were in the pipeline, and about 20 people who stayed after the info session who weren't committed yet.

i am glad i went. it was very reassuring to meet people who had surgery from my chosen surgeon and were doing well. they were between 6 months and 3 years post op. three had lost way over 100 lbs and maintained it, and the one who was 6 months out was doing great too.

i think i will continue to attend the monthly meetings. as much as i adore the forums here, it felt good to be part of a "live" community. i wanted to share this in case any of you were deciding whether to seek out a local support group.

There is no substitute for face to face support groups! I've met some really good friends there who will forever "get me" and support me in my new lifestyle and I them! Plus, when YOU'RE the one on the other side and doing GREAT, you get to be an example for others. That alone is empowering and motivating experience and one of the main reasons I don't miss meetings. The other reason is, every once in a while we get one who's 2 or more years post op who thought they had it all figured out and quit coming, quit doing the things they were supposed to do, and gained back half their weight. They'll tell you it's important to go to maintain focus. And it's cool to watch them "melt" again when they go back to doing what they're supposed to do!

this post was helpful. I will definitely go to one now.... clinic says that people who attend are more successful over the long run too. I am such a homebody and I have never meet anyone (that I know of) who has had wls. thanks for the post

You are so right about the F2F support. It's why Lisa and I co-lead the NYC/LI/Tri-state Local Support Group. It's time consuming but we understand how much it helps not just those who attend, but it helps us just as much.

Thank you for posting this. I have been looking at dates for local support groups and thinking of going, but my social anxiety and fear have been keeping me away. I need to just go and do it. Your post has given me the post to attend the next one.