Tampa Bay ObesityHelp WLS Support Group
I wanted to let everyone know that just because Monica's last post mentions delays in their release of the online areas for the Chapters (their name for the support groups we're starting) doesn't mean that we're delaying our first live meeting on Saturday, January 22! It will be held from 1-3 PM at Crosstown Community Church, which is located at the corner of Falkenburg Road and Causeway Boulevard near Brandon.
This meeting is for pre-ops and post-ops of all surgeons as well as your family/support members. Please spread the word and help us make this a great group! Feel free to contact me for more information at [email protected].
Kim
Lap RNY 4/6/04, Dr. Murr
314/184/160
....at least I HAVE an icon! lol
Yeah, I think I do need to change it.
I am very grateful that you are among my friends to back me up, thank you so much! 
Hi Kim,
I am so glad to here this. I am going to try and make it to this event. I have a meeting at 9 am that morning and not sure how long it will last. I also am going to put this info on our bandster board. Maybe we can get other lap band patients there.
I had lost your email so I will email you with anymore questions.
Terri
lapband 11/1/04
Dr. L. Grossbard
Shay-Traditionally support groups are supposed to be a place where people can go to be with their peers that are going through similiar times that they are. They are a place where one should be able to go and feel they fit in, are accepted, can share without being criticized and can basically open up. It should be a place where ideas are shared, things can be taught and learned and friends made. Now granted, not everyone is going to like everyone in a social situation, but being adults we should get along civilally and not use these sort of venues to gather in "cliques" just to bash or gossip about the other attendees. Unfortunately the meetings I have attended have become a place where this is happening on a monthly basis. People are leaving upset, frustrated and hurt. The attendance has been steadily dwindling and the coordinator of these meetings has honestly not put much effort in maintaining the interest and to make matters even worse is personally particpating in the things I have mentioned above. Those of you that have good support groups may find it very hard to imagine what I am describing here, but it does exist as sad as it is and I personally have been in search of a group that is more sincere in what they are about. In speaking with the coordinator of the new local OH sponsored support group, I believe her intentions are honorable and I have seen her in action! I am looking forward to seeing her get this group off the ground as I really think it is what some of us need. Good Luck and have a safe and happy 2005! Kathy
Good Morning Kathy,
I have to agree with you that Kim will be very dedicated to her support group. She has dedicated herself to informing others who are thinking about or who have had wls. I commend her for her strong commitment to try to educate others on her experience.
I was speaking with a couple of other post ops after the support group meeting last night and one of the ladies was one that is relatively pretty quite. She was telling me and another lady that she feels strongly that what works for one may not work for everyone and that there are a few wls people that she knows that criticizes her because she is human and will vary from the very strict belief that these friends of hers have.
This individual asked if i was going to attend the support group meeting on the 22nd. Both my friend and I said we wouldn't be able to attend but wish Kim all the best. I did mention that I hope Kim has wonderful success with the program and that she touches lives that need it. I also said it concerns me a little, will there be professionals coming and talking to people? If people choose to vary from the diet will there still be support and understanding? The right people there to get others back on track? What works for one will not work for all.
I'm assuming we are talking about the same doctors support group and in my experience I like the fact that I can be human and say "I was tempted by this or that, or I can say I'm feeling this way or that way." Yes there are people in this support group that I am closer to than others. Does this make me a bad person? NO!! Does it make others who are closer to someone other than me a bad person? NO!! People are different plain and simple. Do not take this the wrong way cuz it is not intended to be mean but. What is stopping you from making a move and starting a conversation with others? Maybe the "Clique" which i believe you are referring to my friends and me want to talk to you and want to get to know you. This is a new year. Can we start anew?
This petty they won't talk to me or they think they are better than me cry baby stuff needs to stop. this does nothing but weaken the Doctor's and his staff efforts to help his patients. How does that help anyone?
They have so much to do every day. I can not imagine the work load that the office has. I only know that they work hard on every ones success.
so let me take the first step...
Hello my real name is Shannon, I go by Shay on the computer it is my alter ego. =) I am a 34 year old woman who had by-pass in Dec of 03. I have lost 148 pounds. I have 2 kids that I adore more than life itself. I have a cat and if you ever see me at the meeting and I don't say hello please come up to me and ask me " what the hell is your problem today" =)
I look forward to getting to know you and your friends better in 05. If you choose not to be friends I understand that as well and still wish you well.
Have a good day and a great weekend
Shay
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