Seeking A Support Group For Post-ops In Kent County
I tried to post this today from work and it looked like everything went through fine, but now that I'm home and checking to see if my post had actually posted I am disappointed to find that it hadn't. Oh well I'll try again.
I am so disappointed in the support group that we have in my local area. I live near Dover Air Force Base and the nearest support group is at the Moose Lodge in Camden-Wyoming. It is a nice group of people and as a pre-op and early post-op I loved going and gained so much from the meetings, but now that I'm 16 months post-op I get little or nothing from the meetings. I know that my experience can help others in the early stages, but I need to get something back from the group as well. There have been times when I have asked questions that I barely got an answer to. Post-ops who are longer out have many questions that we need help with. For example, what are some of the foods that others are eating at this stage, how much are they able to eat, what do they do about craving, what about lab work that might have come back abnormal, what about plastic surgery, what about excess skin, what about fears of gaining weight back. There is just so much and I feel so let down when I go to the meetings that for the past couple of months I have not even bothered to go. I miss the meetings and really feel that I need to attend, but I'm getting nothing out of them. I enjoy offering support and sharing my experience with others but where do I turn for help to my many questions and concerns? I do get alot out of the posts here and from the obesityhelp.com site. I'm very thankful that we have such a wonderful site, but I long for a support group where I can feel that I'm actually getting the help that I need.
Is there anyone else who feels the way that I do?
i know what you mean. i liked going to the moose lodge too, but it really doesn't help me now at the stage i am at. i don't mind helping pre- and new post-ops but i feel i need help too. maybe you could start a group?? maybe we could get help from dr. millers office to start a group for people who are farther out. even if it is just to talk about what we are going thur with each other. there are alot of issues that go along with wls and things do change alot the more post-op you are. please let me know if you find a group or if you know someone who wants to start one.
When I read the post of members from Northern Delaware I really feel like those of us in Kent County are missing out. Their support group sounds so interesting and it seems that the members have become true friends. I just want that for the rest of us. There is always a large group at Camden and I'm sure there must be more Post-ops feeling the way that I do, but I wouldn't even know where to begin to start a group, though that is something to consider.
I haven't been feeling very well for the past month. I don't know if it is related to my WLS or not. My PCP ordered alot of blood work and some of that came back abnormal, leaning towards a a liver problem, but at this point she wants me seen by Dr. Miller. I have an appointment with him this Friday and I will bring up the support issue at that time.
I had the same issues as you... so, I started my own support group. I live in Smyrna. Our next gathering is actually this Sunday, June 13th at my house. We are having a picnic and everyone is going to bring their favorite dish to share. We are also going to have a clothing exchange. If you are interested in attending... please shoot me an email.
[email protected]
I'll be 2 years post-op on 9/11 Down -124 lbs
Ginger,
How did you go about starting your own support group? It certainly is something to consider but I would not even know where to begin. Do you have very many attending? The picnic and clothing exchange sounds like a great idea. I would love to attend, but Sunday really is a busy day for me. Perhaps I can meet up with you and your group another time. Do you always have the group at your house?
Freida
My friend told me that her Church would allow me to hold monthly meeting there. So, I just put a article in our local newspaper advertising the new support group and took it from there. The first meeting had about 10 people show up and now I have about 25 that come. Some have been there from the get go and other come when they can make it. I don't advertise anymore.... just word of mouth. I had a lady join us who worked at our local police station and she offered us to use their confrence room since it was an easier location to get to. This month is the first time I'm having it at my house. I just thought it would be a good idea to relax, chat and share your favorite dish. Several people will be bringing family members too. If the group likes the gathering this month, I'll probably have another at my house next month.