Hi Newbie Here. I decided in Jan that I wanted to learn more about WL surgery and I have decided I want to go down this journey. However, I live in CA and my family lives in the Midwest. Outside of this forum, what other places can you find support? I am pre-op and I have my first nutrition and surgeon meeting next month.

Hi from Central Ohio! Most hospitals and Bariatric Centers do have support groups, if they don't maybe you could help found one. I love 50 miles from my hospital, all theirs are in the evening when I cannot locate transportation, my firm belief is that I am the only RnY in all of Knox County. My local Community Hospital is talking of starting a Bariatrics program in Summer- Autumn 2020, a little late for me and besides they plan to start with lap-band and VSG, and later implement RNY if they find enough demand. But if it does get off the ground , by then I will be 2 years out, able to speak as a veteran, but Bariatric Pal serves the need for me, and one day when my Dr N was running late, I made some friends among the others also waiting, we check on each other from time to time. And keep out a lookout for me, I am frequent poster, at 73 I think I know a lot about life, and I would rather post than do housework.
Family Joke: If the police come in here, they will state there is evidence of a struggle! But it still is tidy enough I haven't lost my 2 cats or my son in the not perfectly done!

I have no family anywhere near me. My surgery is just over a week away. I actually found someone at work who went through this, and she has been a wonderful source of support. I have only a few close friends. The supportive ones are not nearby me. I’ve largely done all the prep alone.

My hospital has a support group, but I have not not been able to make the meetings yet. There are you tubers who have channels, and there are some FB groups.

My surgeon's office offered a support group, maybe yours does?

1 hour ago, GradyCat said:

My surgeon's office offered a support group, maybe yours does?

I will find that out. Thanks for the idea.