Speaking of support groups...

A couple people have posted recently that they have no local support groups sponsered by their surgeon or hospital. I was really thrown for a loop to hear that. I just figured that all the surgeons would do something like that. They know that in many ways we are addicted to food and just because we had the surgery, that doesn't mean that we will get over the addiction. It seems kind of thoughtless to just leave their patients high & dry. So, I am wondering about the various support groups that are meeting. Tell us about yours, whether it is sponsored by your surgeon or is an informal one with just a few other patients. I'll start. My surgeon is Dr Glas**** from Cedar Falls. The staff of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Weight Loss Center runs the support group meetings. Dr. G is not always there but has been the featured speaker a few times. They are held on the first Monday of each month at Sartori hospital & are for anyone who has had the surgery, are scheduled to have it, family members, and those who are just looking into surgery. It is run by someone from the staff, usually the PA and the first half hour is dedicated to a Q&A session with her. Then they go on to the featured speaker. Past speakers have been a dietician, a psychiatrist, a plastic surgeon, a personal trainer, an image consultant, and last month they did hair & makup for three of the patients and gave suggestions about that part of our lives. Tomorrow (Monday) we will be hearing from Timi, one of the the personal trainers and I imagine she will be speaking about the need to exercise. I work nights so didn't go to the support group meetings at first. However, I realized how important they are so I now take a a few hours off that night so I can go. I no longer can imagine not going and they always help me to get back on track when I slip. In addition, we also have a Yahoo group that acts as a support group. One of the first patients started it and we now have 83 members. We offer advice & information and share frustrations & our joys. More times than I can count, I have gone there & asked for help or "spilled my guts." That group has been wonderful. From that group an informal support group arose. We try to get together once a month to just talk & share. Sometimes the attendance is small but we always get something from meeting. Can you tell I really think support groups are important? Dixie

Hi Dixie, Couldn't agree with you more. I was going to a support group but the head of the group & I locked horns (won't go into detail here, but it's on my profile) so I quit going. Found out there is one in Cherokee which is the same distance as the other one I was going to. I am going to try that one out. They had also done a make-over on 3 gals for one meeting. When I go to the support group in Cherokee will let you know how it went. Carolyn

Dixie, I am going to try to make tonights meeting. I also work nights and usually sleep Monday evenings. May have to adjust that a wee bit. After seeing and 'feeling' the online support, I can only surmise that the 'real thing' can only be better! I go Tuesday for my sleep study, then next week to cardiologist. Lynne said should have a date first part of November. Sheila

Hi Sheila, PLEASE be sure to find me tonight. I would love to meet you. I'll be looking for you. Dixie

Hiya Dixie...I couldn't agree with you more with this issue!!! Last yr. or should say at the beginning of the yr. another girl and I did all the meetings ourselves...we set up different speakers, topics etc. There were some at the meetings that gave us a very hard time about it! I really did enjoy it, it was good thearpy for me also! But Iam sooooooooooo busy now that I just dont have the time, and yes like you I really think it is up to our surgeon and his staff to do it, than maybe ppl will take it more seriously and be more appreciative! We really do need the support group here, I hope someone comes up with something!!! Janet S

Dixie, My support group meets every 2nd tuesday of the month. here in carroll and it is at hospital. Dr. Smith comes sometimes and we can ask him anything we want. But since he isnt going to be doing these surgeries anymore not sure what is going to happen...We have people that come to our support group meetings that have had their surgery else where but dont have a support group. anyone is welcome but it is very informal....so some people may not like it........lynda

My surgeon (who has since moved) and his office have no suport group at all! I had my surgery at the U of I......besides our follow up appts, there is someone always available to answer quiestions, but nothing compared to the support this board and groups have to offer! They are just too big/busy to offer a support group, and most people come from far away to have there surgeries there! I know I drove 2 hours each way! And there are no bariatric doctors in Dubuque so no support groups here either I am lucky and I get to go to Andrea's every once in awhile at Genesis in Davenport.....they are great! It is an hour away each way so sometimes it isn't easy driving home 9:30pm but way worth it! Take Care Jesi

Our support groups with Dr. G are great. Sometimes if I don't really care about the speaker I go anyway just for the social aspect of it. Jesi, if you ever want to venture this way, let me know. If you get as far as Independence, I will take you the rest of the way to CF. I usually get there around 6:30 and am home by 9. BTW, I'll be in your neck of the woods at a continuing ed meeting tomorrow. Have to be there by 7:30 Uggghhhh. It's just a little over an hour drive.... Hugs Janie

Dr. Sundberg (Boone) has a support group that meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6PM in the hospital conference room. He is usually there unless he has an emergency surgery. His nurse, Nancy, runs the meeting. Sometimes there is a speaker or we sample new products. It's a pretty good group. Lyn

Dixie, I too am a patient of DR G. but I live way to far to go to the meetings, I live SW of Iowa City about 20 miles. I went to him because I had no faith in DR's around here....too many bad experiences. I would love to start a support group here in Iowa City but so far havent gotten around to it....I know there are several more of his patients here and wouldnt neccessarily have to be just for DR G's patients. If anyone knows how to go about starting a support group please email me. Jody W.