I am about 6 weeks post surgery and I haven't gone to one yet. I have young children and work full time and so it's difficult to sneak away too much. I've preferred my away time to be at the gym.

Does this board take the place of a face to face support group? Does it fulfill the same purpose? Or is there something about a face to face meeting that I'm missing?

I want to optimize my success, and I think this board gives me what I need to stay focused, to learn, to compare my experiences with others. I believe that's what a face to face support group would do. However, I want to make sure I'm not missing something.

What are your thoughts? Are they different, do you need both? Or does one suffice to meet the need for connection?

I was banded yesterday and I'm hoping to find a group closeby. I know I will be needing it.