Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Blech, "support" group.



Recommended Posts

One of the requirements for my surgery is that I attend my surgical group's support group. It meets once a month at the doctor's office. I can't attend every time because (a) every other month my husband works nights and (:lol: we only have one car, so I only go on months my husband is working days so I can have him watch our son.

Anyway, tonight was my first meeting and I did not come away overjoyed. Most of the people there were bypassers or people who were planning on having bypass, save for me and one other lady (who came up to me after the class and expressed some of my feelings- I told her about LBT). The guest speaker (inspiration?) was a bypasser. Blah blah blah bypass. :thumbup: I got to hear all about the joys of dumping syndrome, expanded pouches, Vitamin regimes, how most people didn't choose the band because they didn't want a foreign object in their body (am I mistaken or are staples a foreign object?), and just general bypass |337ness. :lol: Ugh. It just sucked and I have to keep going until my surgery- I figure after I have my band, it's not like they can come rip it out of me for not attending these stupid meetings. :tongue:

Will I be missing something if I don't go? I'm going to talk to my surgeon at my appt on the 3rd about getting a bander in there to talk. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Our meetings are on alternate months. One month is the by pass group and the other is for us lap banders. It works much better that way. I would have no interest in attending a support group for by pass patients.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeons office requires you to attend 2 support group meetings before surgery, which for me meant leaving work and then going back. The first meeting there were only a few people there interested in lap band and I dont think there were any banded people there and I was a little worried because it was mostly bypass. This last meeting there were 4 or 5 people there who have had the band done and quite a few people that were preband so it was completely different this time. But the physician assistant that runs the support groups said that its difficult for them to get people who have had the lap band to attend and she wasnt sure why and they were trying to work on getting more to attend on a fairly regular basis.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I began attending my Dr. support group, there were only 3 that had even had the band surgery through him. Since that time (2 yrs. ago) there are many more of us in the group. I know it was those 3 gals that nagged the Dr. to incorporate more items for both band or bypass with regards to support issues. This was really good for a while.

After about a year, I had to go about every other month because of my volunteering schedule changing to the time the support group met. I still am very active on this website though. Well, this past month I went back to the Dr. (for a fill) and it had been a while. I noted on my paperwork that I hadn't been to support group in a while, but I was active here on LBT. That seemed to be ok. I think that as long as we're reaching out to get answers to our issues, and willing to focus on why we even had the surgery, we're doing well. That's what LBT is all about. I'm planning on visiting the group next week...just because I'd made a few friends there that I've not seen in a while and would like to visit with them.

There you have it...my 2 cents. :thumbup:

Annette

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Will I be missing something if I don't go? I'm going to talk to my surgeon at my appt on the 3rd about getting a bander in there to talk.

Support groups exist so you can share your concerns with people who have experienced the same thing as you. You learn about what's going on and thus have fewer fears and are more able to work the program (the band is just a tool).

I've also seen that RNY and LB patients don't mix well. The topics at these meetings don't stay on "weight loss" but tend to shift towards the eccentricities of either procedure. RNY folks seem to view banders as less committed than them and I guess you really need to be gung ho about things to have your stomach split in half and a few feet of your small intestine removed.

LBT is my support group. I'm here daily poking around and if I have a question or concern I've found it has been asked and addressed at least 10 times already by those that came before me. Does it lack the immediacy of face to face conact, yes. However, LBT does have hundreds of active members and special interest areas that can direct you to the help you're looking for.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I started my journey I was also required to go to 2 support meetings. I did my time and then saw the Dr. He asked me what I thought of the meetings and if I got anything out of it. I told him it was a waste of time for me because it was all about bypass. The speakers were bybass, the leader of the meeting was bypass, there was one bander there at one meeting that I got to talk to after the entire disscussion of bypass. (those people dont let up when they have questions) At my first appointment after surgery I had to fill out a questionair, I found out that in the 4 months since my support meetings they now have a support meeting just for lap band. I think enough people complained. It doesnt hurt to suggest it to the dr.

Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had similar issues.

The LPN at my doctor's office said we Lapbanders are just a different type of patient. We don't need the coddling the RNY's do. We don't need the support, etc.

I said that's not entirely true. Yes, our aftercare consists of fills and not monitoring closely our blood work because we aren't malnurished, but it was a cop out on the part of the practice to ignor our needs.

It's been nearly two years since I first said something and still nothing about making it more lapband friendly.

Come here, we'll get your back.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can't see how attenting a mainly bypass support group could be any help to you whatsoever. I'd bail out asap. Or maybe you could suggest to the surgeon that he set up separate groups for banders.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

At my group there is a speaker/topic and then we split into LB and RNY groups to share. That seems to work pretty well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i am suppose to go to pre-op support group meetings too...but they are at 6pm-730...the most inoportune time in the world for me, considering i work until 7. It meets the second thursday of the month. I guess i completely understand the reason for them. Each time i go to the dr. they asked if i went to the meetings, they don't even know if i went or not..perhaps tell them i did? I look at this website as a great source for a support group. If i am feeling down or things just aren't working for me and i need more help, then sure i will go, but required meetings that are at dinner time....that doesn't work for me...i have a husband, 4 dogs, 4 ferrets, and a cat i need to care for when i come home.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

LBT is my support group.

AMEN!!

Our support group is mixed between LB and RNY also. The last one had 5 post-op folks, 15 pre-op, and only two of us were bandsters. The entire pre-op group was RNY! So us two bandsters chatted quietly in the corner while the other discussed extended hospital stays, complications, dumping syndrome and other "niceties" of RNY surgery! Sometimes I enjoy the meeting just because it so nicely validates my decision for a lap band!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a form to fill out at my surgeon's office before each fill. It asks on it if I've been attending support group. I always write on the form that I belong to an online support group and they have never once questioned me further.

Though, I have heard that my surgeon's support groups are very good, though. I've just never been inclined to drive that far when I have everyone here.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×