Hey guys-

I'm three months out from surgery and things are going well. I've heard people talk about participating in WLS support groups, and I'm wondering if this is something I should look into? I'm not finding many options for local meetings I can attend, but I have seen a few online support meetings. What do you guys think? How important are the actual meetings? Or do you get by with just the info on the forums?

im still in the process, but the good thing for me is that I have a lot of friends who has had the surgery and they give me the REAL RAW stuff about what i should look forward to

I think this is very individual in terms of whether it's useful to you or not. The required group meetings for my program were only mildly useful to me--one spent half the meeting on negative body images and how you could improve yours, and I was like, "not a problem for me, let's move on." It was nice seeing the people who had been through the process and succeeded. I personally like having the online access to many people, but, as I said, this is highly individual. Good luck in finding what works for YOU.

I love this website. I am planning on attending a live support group this coming week. I think it will help me think about topics I don't look into online. Also it may give me opportunities to make friends locally who have had the surgery. Just my 2 cents.


Mich W
Hw 223, SW 217 CW 192 GW 135

I go to a monthly support group. It's helpful to me because it keeps me focused and accountable. Also it's helpful to hear issues of those folks farther along. I'm 8 months post of.

My program has a support group every month, and I love it. I don't really NEED it -- nothing they say, really, is news, but there's something nice about talking to other people. And also them telling me how amazing I look. (;

I've been to several and have really enjoyed them. I was just sleeved a week ago so only went pre op but I really liked the leader and met wonderful, honest people. It was a supper support for me going into this process. Ours only meets twice a month. I'm looking forward to going to the next one.

Thanks for the input everyone. I have found one group that meets 1x a month. I missed it for August, but will check it out next month. I think I will be in the same boat of not necessarily 'needing' it, but enjoying being able to talk to others going through similar challenges. Also hoping I meet some friends to exchange meal/snack ideas with.

I have only been able to go to a few of the support group meetings offered through my bariatric program. I might not sure whether they were helpful. I didn't feel like I connected with anybody, but I am going to start going more regularly after my surgery. Hopefully I will connect with people then .

I love the online support that I get here. I do think both are useful!

Edited August 24, 20179 yr by ZinNH