Support group meetings..Do you go...

Hey all! I have been kindof lurking for a while just been in a funky mood! I am going to my support group meeting tonight!! Going to get some things off my mind & hopefully get back to me! So do you go to meetings? How are you dealing with all the emotions? Come on let me know! I know I need to come to you all(Thanks Andi) but just didn't feel deserving as I haven't been very supportive of you all this last few months!Know that I have been lurking & cheering you all on, Praying for those that needed it & even laughing with you guys when you get crazy!I am going to try to get back into the swing of things & when I have more time will let you all know what is going on! I fully intend to update my profile & get back to supporting you all. Know that I do have wonderful support here at home (hubby is so great) both of my dearest friends had wls (1-4yrs ago & 1-2yrs ago). So I know I will be ok. Thanks again for listening You all are great! ~Missy~

I dont do support groups... I just kind of do the boards which to me is like being in a support group 24/7... I have been thinking about going to a meeting lately just to see what they are all about, but they are kind of far from where I live.

Carla, If you go to one & don't particularly like it don't completely nix it! I go to one that is connected to my surgeons office that is run by the nutritionist & his nurse-more of a clinical meeting such as we can get advice from them & they usually have a speaker (plastic surgeon, 4 yr post op person, psych dr etc...) then I go to another one at a local church that meets 2 times a month the first one is for pre & post ops & the second one is for post ops 6 mths or older. we ususally end up going out to eat after just to kick back & talk about other things. I really enjoy the social aspect of this. Not only that this is my "me" time away from my hubby & son. Kindof like a girls night out without all the partying.(we do have some fellas that come too!) Hope you find one you can enjoy!! ~Missy~

I make the 1 hour 15 minute drive to my support group at least once a month. They have preop and postop support groups on the 3rd Wednesday and post op only on the 1st Monday. I prefer the post op only but I feel useful when I go to the pre/post b/c I can actually help answer some of the questions the preops have. I have been known to go to both meetings in a month but I've also been known to miss almost 2 months completely. Going to support groups is kind of like refueling my train of thought tank. If I've slacked a bit or strayed it helps me to get back on track. Also, I was a weigh****chers person off and on for several years so I enjoy the "meeting" aspect also. Sometimes our support groups have guest speakers, WLS pros (12+months out and at goal), our nutrionist, etc. It varies but it always offers great support and information. This board is a HUGE support for me I couldn't make it without it, but I also need to see those people who I've been seeing at the support group meetings since about 2 months before I had surgery (our center requires you attend 3 support group meetings before they approve you for surgery). Wow, I'm rambling. Mandy

Hey Mandy WOW 1 hr 15 min drive!! Thats dedication!! You are doing so great!!! One of the meetings I go to has pre & post ops & it does feel good to be able to answer the pre-ops questions & help them out!!! & then to have the older post ops 2yrs or more who can tell you what to expect & that everything is gonna be okay! I do love the socializing aspect as I hid at home for so many years & deep down I am a people person!! I love entertaining & socializing!! I know what you mean about this Board!!It was the one place I posted to! on my state board & the main board I have always just lurked so I guess it was kind of easy to just pull back when my road got hard!! My family & friends won't let me do that, but you guys couldn't stop me so I did.(no offense-I guess it was the one thing I could control!) But I really need to be with & talk to people who are going through the same mental & physical struggles so I will promise to stick around and be more supportive to YOU ALL!! Now who's rambling!! ~Missy~

Hi Missy, You've got me worried about you now! Spill the beans sister. We're here for you. I went to 2 of the conferences & really enjoyed networking with everyone. I met a couple of WLS friends who are local & we do things together. We talk about alternate addictions & how we're the same but....different. I would like to go to a local support group sometime. I should do that. It is wonderful having all of you for support here too. Hugs, Dar

Oh Dar! Didn't mean to worry you!! I have just had some mental issues dealing with complications( I had a small bowel blockage at 12 days out & now I have a hernia & have to have a 3rd surgery) guilt (my mom still doesn't know I had the 1st surgery-long story) just not my usually happy self!! kindof withdrew from everyone I didn't have to face on a day to day basis! I just couldn't engage myself with others!! Trying to come out of that by coming back to you all but it is a struggle not to just hide at home!(boy I hate having to go to work hehe) But I tell myself hiding at home is what I did before-I will not continue this path!!! So just bear with me if I disappear for a time or two!! I will come back as it feels like coming home!! You all are my sisters & brothers in this journey!!As I said I have been lurking & laughing & crying with you all!!! (((HUGS)))~Missy~

"But I tell myself hiding at home is what I did before-I will not continue this path!!! ......." I was thinking the same thing when I was reading your previous post. Those are old patterns from our "old" ways. Don't go back there. We love ya sweetie! Hugs, Dar

((((HUGS)))) Thanks!!! ~Missy~

I do not care for my support group... it just doesnt do a thing for me. not bad or anything, but my time is so valuable that everyone 'sharing' about where they were and where they are and where they are going just doesnt seem beneficial. HOW to get where I want to go in the coming months, THAT is what I want to know. it is like watching someone elses vacation slides. WHO CARES? now tell me how I can take the same vacation that would be kewl. so I skip them and do my own thing. hang out here is more beneficial. recipes and fluid reminders. that is 'real' and helpful.