Support Groups

Hi Everyone, I was wondering if someone could tell me about the different support groups. My surgeon is Dr. Barba and I have gone to one support group so far and found it very helpful and informational. I was wondering if all are welcome at some of the other support groups or they are suppose to be specifically for the people who are seeing that surgeon? I know that Norwich- Backus Hospital and L&M Hospital are for anyone, but how about the others? Also if someone has schedules they could send me that would be wonderful! I would love to attend any that I can! my email address is [email protected]

Hi Amy: I go to Dr. Tran's support group at Bridgeport Hospital, and also now Dr. Crum's support group at Norwalk Hospital. Both are quite far from Bozrah though. Sorry I can't be more of a help to you! Tara

TARA, WHEN ARE DR. TRAN'S SUPPORT GROUP MEETING. THAT IS CLOSE TO ME. THANKS

If you are willing to travel to Norwalk, you are more than welcome to attend the support groups at Norwalk Hospital; all of our meetings start at 6 p.m. and are in Perkins Auditorium of Norwalk Hospital. On the first Wednesday of every month, Dr. Crum holds an informational meeting for people evaluating or planning on having gastric bypass--- at these meetings we cover the basics of what to expect from the surgery, how to prepare and also what are the common emotional issues people face after surgery. On the third Monday of every month, a former pshyciatric nurse (and very successful gastric bypass patient who's lost over 300 pounds) holds a general support group meeting for post-operative patients where we discuss everything from how the surgery effects our interpersonal relationships to what and how much we should be eating months (and years) after surgery. Finally, on the third Wednesday of every month Dr. Crum and I conduct a support group meeting for patients who are less than 6 months post-operative to answer the questions and concerns they have-- whether they have questions about what to eat at the various stages after surgery, what pains and discomforts are "normal" or anything else, we welcome all gastric bypass patients (although the advice is centered on patients following Dr. Crum's proscribed eating regimine). Some (not all) pre-operative patients feel that they gain valuable insight by attending a post-operative support group meeting. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these meetings.

Hi Amy, Dr. Bell's patients meet on the first Tues. of every month at Yale in the Max Taffel room at 6pm. Dr. Bell's theory is that this is OUR support group and not his so to speak. He is at almost every meeting, although he will be on vacation in Sept. (well deserved I might add). It is a great group. We usually have a guest speaker and lots of stuff the share. There are pre ops and post ops and there is always a nutritionist there as well. Try to join us; we'd love to have you! JA