SG at Middlesex??

Hi - did anyone go to the Middlesex SG meeting this past Monday night? I was going to go but decided not to at the last minute; the last two meetings I've been to were not at all helpful - the meetings seem to have lost the structure and positive group enthusiasm that was so evident 3 or more years ago - what's your take? I realize this is a sensitive issue but support is so critical to our maintaining success and I absolutely subscribe to the theory, 'I can't fix what I don't know is broken.' Maybe we can get some of the old Great Spirit back into the Middlesex SG rooms! And if I'm way off base, feel free to tell me!  Maureen

Maureen,
I stopped going because I also got nothing out of them, also at this point nobody wants to hear my tough love approach. I just don't have the patience to listen to people whine and complain about their weight gain and then go out for ice cream afterwards. And to be honest seeing people that have gained weight back scares and angers me, thats why I'm afraid I'd shoot my mouth off.  It would also be nice if Dr. A attended his own support groups like the other docs do too. I have some friends that are group leaders out on Long Island and their groups sounds fantastic, they even do activities on saturdays and sundays. I have been invited and plan on going to some of these.

Hi Rich, the only approach there can be is the 'tough love' approach. I had my surgery nearly 6 years ago and weight gain is a reality and I am struggling with the 20 lbs. I've put back on from my lowest point. While there are definitely physiological and psychological contributing factors to regaining the weight post-surgery, there certainly is no room for social over-eating - ever. Healthy food choices: I ask myself every day before I eat something, "Will this nurture my body or harm it?" At least this holds me accountable before it goes into my mouth. Your strength is inspiring, and I'd love to join you for one of those Long Island meetings! Perhaps we could car pool - thanks for your post, I really needed this! All the best, Maureen

Rich, I have taken the opportunity to attend a couple of LIPO group meetings and those folks are FANTASTIC! If you get the chance to attend, I am sure you would get a lot out of it.
I believe Julie, in Dr. A's office is trying to make some positive changes in the Middlesex Support Group and it certainly needs it. I found it interesting that LIPO is not "sponsored" by any hospital or Doctor's office but was founded by caring post ops (MaryEllen and friends) and I think they went through some OH trainning. We tried to get a shore line meeting together a couple of times last year but it fizzled out. Looking forwrd to meeting you in Rye Brook.

 We did manage to get a group of shoreline people togetther a few times and even created a group on facebook (Ct shoreline bariatric support group) that we used to get meetings organized, but there hasn't been any activity lately.

I still go to support group at St Francis, but it really seems to be more focused on newcomers. Would love to get the shoreline people back together.

Nancy

Hi - I also missed this last meeting at Middlesex.  I agree that sometimes I don't get a lot out of these meetings, but I feel like I need to attend them as I'm a newbie (only five months).  I would really be interested in a shoreline group if one should start up.  Carol