What to expect at 1st support group

Evening all. I've had a hectic week already. Haven't been on much because my little guy has a bad ear infection and a horrible diaper rash from the antibiotics.

Anywho, I am going to my first preop support group tomorrow night at St Francis. I know most of you don't go there but I was wondering what usually happens at these meetings. I hope I meet some nice people.

I'm sure you'll meet some really great, inspiring folks.  I attend St. V's support meetings.

I know Jeannie had her surgery at St. Francis and attends their meetings.  I'm sure she can tell you about theirs.

At the one I go to in Plainfield, we start by everyone introducing themselves, telling whether they are pre-op or post op or a support person, when surgery was/is, and how much they have lost so far.  Then we talk about what ever that month's topic is.  This month, we talked about walking and exercise.

We were able to ask questions of members that had great success, and mainly network.

I always learn a lot from the support group, and feel inspired when I leave.

You'll have a great time!  Post when you get home and tell us how you liked it!

St Francis has two support groups a month, one for preop (and those up to 3 months post op) and one for post op.  The pre op support groups are very well attened as it is mandatory to get in two support groups before surgery so they are crowded.  They will have everyone sign in then have a guest speaker, the two times I went it was a guest dietician and a lapband patient.  Following the speaker it will be question and answer time.  No personal introductions at pre op meetings, however post op you will introduce yourself and tell a few things about your journey pretaining to that weeks topic.  So basically all you have to do is listen and talk if you have a question.

Jeannie