I went to one last night, as part of my pre op requirements. I originally planned for this to be the only one, but after going I really see how it is of great benefit. I just wish there were more bandsters.... the majority of attendees at my doctors meeting were bypass patients.

Either way, I enjoyed the meeting.

Does anyone attend meetings regularly? What benefits do you see in it?

My doctor's office is an hour drive (south) from my house and I work 2 hours north from my house, so going down there on a weeknight is not going to happen.

For me, this is my support group. I get so much out of coming here and reading threads. It has been a huge help. I can Celebrate, complain, ask for help, all from my LBT friends. Who could ask for more?

For me, this is my support group. I get so much out of coming here and reading threads. It has been a huge help. I can celebrate, complain, ask for help, all from my LBT friends. Who could ask for more?

Ditto! I too live several hours away from my clinic; regular visits are just no going to happen. LBT to the rescue!

I went to one last night, as part of my pre op requirements. I originally planned for this to be the only one, but after going I really see how it is of great benefit. I just wish there were more bandsters.... the majority of attendees at my doctors meeting were bypass patients.

Either way, I enjoyed the meeting.

Does anyone attend meetings regularly? What benefits do you see in it?

Yes yes yes I love the meetings. I get so much out of the meetings. You can ask any question that is a concern for you and get the answers from people who have already lived it. I went before my surgery and I still go every month. I even went the day after my sugery!!

I attend the support group here in Raleigh monthly. They have different speakers and also break the group in two groups, one for bypass and one for Lapband where discussion and questions flow in a roundtable format.

I go to my support group every month i love it. I didn't think i would guess i don't really like that kind of setting but i love my support groups. I really do wish we had them more then once a month like every other week atleast would be great.

Through Kaiser you have to go through a series of weekly nutrition classes before surgery (at least in my area) and I found it to be a great source of support. In fact several in my group have had surgery (mostly bypass) and we're planning on getting together once everyone is up to it. Kaiser also holds monthly after surgery support meetings, combined bypass and band. I've gone to 1 so far and found it nice to be with others. If I can get a sitter next week, I'll go again.

My biggest source of support and information though is here. Kaiser is an hour away and with sitter issues, it's hard to get there.

If you can go, I'd try to. Doesn't work well for everyone and I've heard of horror stories with support groups (no support unless you've done "their" surgery, meaning bypass). But most I've heard about, sound like they're good ones.