Mercy Capitol Support Group

So, it's next Tuesday, right? At what time? Tell me you are all going to be there....... jean

I am going to try my hardest to go. This will be my first time, what can I expect from these meetings? Are they structures, what kind of info will be discussed? Is it benficial to go before you have surgery? I am scheduled for surgery the 29th of this month. I know they are at Mercy Capital but where, same place the informational meetings are held?

Lisa, when I was pre-op, and newly post op, the important thing for me at that time was seeing and meeting people who were far out from surgery and were living happy, normal lives. I wanted to see how awsome they looked and felt and hear how they live their lives now. So, I feel ashamed of myself for not going more and being available to talk to new people like I needed when I was new. I'm going to try to come, but that will mean two trips to DSM that day. I'll just have to see how it goes. But to answer your exact questions, yes, when I was going, there was usually a topic covered. Sometimes there was a guest speaker (like once a plastic surgeon came and talked). But usually there was some substance to the meeting. jean

Yes, in the McAuley room right off the cafeteria (ironic, isn't it?). The same place that they do the informational seminars at. jean

Yep, it's Tuesday. The meeting technically starts at 5:30, but they encourage people to show up as early as 5:00 for an informal discussion period. Sort of a "meet and greet" type thing. People usually start dribbling in at 5:00. You don't really know ahead of time what the subject of the discussion is going to be.

I really enjoy the meetings. It helps to keep me on track.

I'm planning on it. Keeps me grounded to hear the stories. and know I am not the only one out there that is going through certain things.

Does Mercy Capital publicize their support group? Is it open to people that have had surgery elsewhere? Or only for their patients? I've tried to find info about it on their website, but have never been able to find anything. I wouldn't be able to go this month, but would like to find a group close enough for me to attend on a regular basis.

I think the Mercy support group meeting is only for patients of Mercy Center For Weight Reduction. In fact, I was not even invited to attend until I had been approved for surgery and had my date. You could call them and ask if you can come. jean

I'm afraid it's only open to pre/post op patients at Mercy Capitol. The way Susan explained it last month is that every hospital and doctor's plan is so very different it is very hard to have people on the same page. Sorry. Jean, I think it starts at 5:30 pm