Do You Attend Support Group Meetings?

[Alex Brecher 10,516]

It’s great to hear that so many of you attend support group meetings – both that you have them available, and that you choose to attend them! It seems that going to these meetings is linked to better success – maybe because it helps keep you motivated and on your toes.

I am glad BariatricPal is able to play a role in providing support as a source of information and encouragement, as well as to hold members accountable!

[Kindle 8,667]

Nope, never attended a single support group meeting. No time and I'm REALLY not a people person. I get all my support from friends, family and online forums.

[newmebithebypass 713]

My nutritionist classes at the first surgeons office were sort of support group in nature and I'm wondering how it will go with the second group

[skinny_knees 55]

I'm just starting my journey. I had my first of 7 monthly appointments on November 30. I had the breath test this past Wednesday and I'm going to my first support group on this coming Wednesday.

[LoseItKacy 347]

I love my support groups. I've gone since May. To everyone. Now that I'm post op I don't know what I would do without them.

[2goldengirl 2,076]

I do. The group is sponsored by the hospital where I will have my surgery. It's a thriving group, open to anyone. 30+ people, everything from preops like me to folks who are 10+ years out. Today was about stress, facilitated by the LCSW who has worked with the hospital bariatric program for 15 years. Really worth the time.

[ShrinkingButtercup 60]

My surgeon has a support group that meets twice a month in the office's waiting room. It's lead by the bariatric nurse who is also facilitator for the surgeon. (He does everything from support to insurance) It works.

I was required by the program to attend one, so I did that and found it helpful to hear from the vets. I've tried to attend one a month since I started this six months ago and I intend to keep going after surgery.

[AvaFern 3,516]

I have never been to a support group. I considered them to be a waste of my time. Having to sit in a meeting for an hour and hear people complain would annoy me, however I have used Bariatric Pal as my support group, which works out great because I can participate as frequently or infrequently as I want to. The hospital where I had my surgery offers the support group once a week I think at the hospital.

[2goldengirl 2,076]

I have never been to a support group. I considered them to be a waste of my time. Having to sit in a meeting for an hour and hear people complain would annoy me.

I don't know what you think happens at support groups, but mine, at least, is anything but a complaint-fest. There is always a topic, and the facilitator is either one of the RD's or the LCSW who works with the program. They bring in speakers, including a local plastic surgeon who does post-WLS surgeries. It's worthwhile enough that people drive a considerable distance to attend.

Edited December 14, 2015 by 2goldengirl

[Kindle 8,667]

I have never been to a support group. I considered them to be a waste of my time. Having to sit in a meeting for an hour and hear people complain would annoy me, however I have used Bariatric Pal as my support group, which works out great because I can participate as frequently or infrequently as I want to. The hospital where I had my surgery offers the support group once a week I think at the hospital.

I'm with you. At least with the online forums I can turn the computer off and go do something else when I get annoyed or bored. It's rude to just get up and walk out of a meeting. (And you know I would hate to be rude )

[Tobeornottobe 89]

I most likely won't attend the support meetings. Where they meetings are located is 45 minutes away from where I work and live and the start times are during rush hour. The hospital where I had my surgery also offers support groups, again the same problem 45 minutes away in no traffic. I have looked online for ones that are more localized but so far no luck :-(

[SleeveSoon 191]

I attend monthly support meetings held at the hospital's wellness center sponsored by the bariatric group. There is an information session for people considering surgery from 6-7pm (attended by one of the bariatric surgeons). That is followed by the support group meeting from 7-8pm. The monthly support group meetings have a theme and sometimes there are guest speakers. Some of the guest speakers included a bariatric psychologist and a trainer from the medical integration program.

The meetings are attended by about 40 people and I will continue to attend until I no longer find them useful.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I went to one through my bariatric center and one that was posted on here. I decided I am not a support group kinda person.

I went to the bariatric center one about 2 months post op and could have used some support, but the facilitator didn't show up due to an emergency so it was a self run meeting that didn't go that well.

The second one, I was already at goal and the conversation wasn't too relevant to me.

I rely on this site!

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

What WAS helpful was going to a support group at a nearby hospital when I was preop. That meeting was so well run - cohosted by a counselor and a Nutritionalist. It helped me get over my fears (I was considering RNY at the time) and create a more realistic view of what to expect. I highly recommend that preops spend some time doing this!

[Chrystee 838]

No, I don't.

My surgeon's office is in Washington DC and it takes me almost 2.5 hours to get there. There are local groups however. I attended the group years ago when I was first contemplating surgery, and it was kind of a negative group.. Honestly, I don't find in person support groups that helpful. I like online support groups much more. I also am in a few FB groups.

However, my best friend has RNY 5 years ago, and her mother had it before her. I have a lot of support in my life too, but having my BF having been through it was very helpful.

Edited December 14, 2015 by Chrystee