Support Groups?? Who uses them?

[sheliss 44]

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?

[sassy683 184]

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

[XYZXYZXYZ1955 675]

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.

[Missy161 395]

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

[AZLoser 103]

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.

[Brandeis 401]

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. (;

[Allie589 171]

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.

[sheliss 44]

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.

[ZinNH 173]

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, 2017 by ZinNH