Question of the Day

How important is a support group to the success of maintaining weight loss?  If you were really looking for support, what characteristics would you look for in a supportive friend?

Good Morning Karla. To me the support group is very important. It keeps me accountable on the weight gain. For some one who is over 5 years out I know that if I gain that my fellow members will notice and get me back on track. I have seen people who was involved in the support group when they first had surgery and dropped out and then regain. The things that I would look for in a supportive friend would be someone that cares and values my friendship, truthfullness, loyal, supportive in my journey. Some one who can look beyound themselves and not be self centered and not  dominate each and ever conseration with me, me, me.

Hi Karla!  I think a support group is very important no matter the cir****tance but especially for weight loss. I would have go "Rogerian" here and say empathic understanding and response would be what I would look at in a group situation. I agree with Louise too. If one person or persons dominate a group, then that closes so many doors to others who seek new knowledge, understanding, and acceptance into a group. 

I think about all the weight loss diets I tried in the past. While none were permanently effective for me, the ones I did have some success were the ones I had a support system that consisted of my peers in similar situtions (i.e. Weigh****chers, Weight Down).

I think maybe alot of people missed this.. as today we were traveling.. enjoying pictures from the wedding.. and just chatting up what a great weekend we had!!!

I think a support group is soooooooooo important!!
I know I couldn't have made it without the Mobile support group and becoming certified and beginning a local support group here is just how important I KNOW IT is!!! I have added a monthly newsletter and work hard to be informed and attend Roundtable OH meetings to keep up with any information that I can.
My sister - has not had any support - and now is looking for some.. being almost 4 years out she has wished she had that from the beginning also. She has gained back some weight.
So helping to maintain weight loss - makes a support group very important!!

I have so many friends! So many who ARE so unbelievable supportive.
I look for someone who is kind, thoughtful, never afraid to speak their mind, up to date on information, a good listener, a good HUGGER!! (lol) , a Christian - because that is so important- when you give it up to GOD wow.. what he can do!!
Cynthia, who lives in my town and had WLS is all of these! So supportive!!

My Momma.. Sandy & Connie..Michele Luv!
When I think of all those faces, names, all those who have been there for me supporting me along my journey this past 2 1/2 years.. I know that is what helped me make it where I am!

Having a rough journey as I have makes support even more needed!!