support group not supportive!?!

I stopped going to my support group meetings because gastric bypass patients where there more than bandsters.   So they mostly talked about that.  I found it hard to get answers for what was going on with me.  Then I found this site.  Things going on with people here were going on with me.  I felt like this is my major support group so I stopped going to the support groups here. I also bought Jeans book (bandwagon) and found that very informative. And related to it.  HOpe this helps!


Tracy

I have gone to one support group meeting in 2+ years.  I find I don't need to go to a support group.  I know enough WLS people personally that I can talk to them if I need support, I have OH to go to and my friends and family are very supportive and are my biggest cheerleaders.  So why would I waste time with strangers at an over crowded support group. 

I have not felt like I really need the extra support...I get all I need  

Well, I unfortunately see I am not alone in my experience.  I will be relocating in a year so hopefully my new home town will have a band friendly meeting.  I, too, have a few friends that have the band and they have been a great support system.  I love checking in on this site a few times a week... I believe everyone on here has so much information and support to give.  And I thank each of you for that:)  

By chance, does  anyone know if Weigh****chers is band friendly?

I've gone to a few meetings that included all surgery types. Almost everyone was an RNY and a few sleeves.  It was especially hard for me because I was early out and they acted like something was wrong with me because I hadn't lost 50 pounds in a blink of an eye.  That's one of the reasons why I spend time on here.  It is so important to be able to communicate with those in our same type of situation. My surgeon's office considers being active on OH as participating in a support group. If I didn't have OH I would probably join WW just for the accountability and the companionship of those that are also trying to lose weight by watching their food intake.

Trixie

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones with support groups.  My surgeon's support group meets once a month, only about 15 minutes away.  At the meetings, there are RNY, Band, and Sleeve patients, and others who are learning about their options for surgery.  It is led by the office manager, the dietician, and the surgeon attends most of the time.  I have never seen the "surgery wars" occur at these meetings, and everyone is very supportive of each other, no matter what the surgery type.

Phyllis

Hi, my support group meets monthly.  It's a very large group with all RNY, Sleeve and Band patients.  The first part of the meeting is with one of the surgeons and it's a question and answer section.  Then the 2nd part of the meeting is a designated topic with a guest speaker or every few months it's small group discussion divided up per surgery type.

Please address this with your surgeon.  Find out where the other band patients are and if a special group could be set up for the band patients.

I started my own support group her in WA for that very reason.  Now we have a "band only" group and it's great!  The differences betweent he band and RNY are vast and it frustrates me that the doctor's offices often lump not only the support groups together but sometimes the aftercare. 

This forum will likely be your best source of support and later on, perhaps you can reach out to others hear on OH that live near you and you can start your own group.

Best~
Lisa O.

I guess I'm one of the lucky few. My support group meets twice a month. It is mixed with all WLS types but it is more bandsters than anything. We just got a few people who've had the sleeve recently. My surgeon requires you attend a support group at least once a month. The first hour of support is an educational part and the second is with a food addiction psychologist.

You can also check to see if there are any support groups in your area someplace other than sponsored by your surgeon.

When I was first banded I went to my surgeon's support group, but only once.  There were well over 100 people there and only 4 of us were bandsters.  Everyone was very nice, but the issues discussed were all aimed at RNYs, which only makes sense because that's what interested most of the audience.  I just didn't feel like I got much from it.  However, since then one of his nurses who is also a bandster started a support group for just bandsters and I attend that when I don't forget.  It's a small group, never more than 5-6 of us, but I find it helpful.  

I don't know why there aren't more people there.  Possibly because they just use online support groups like OH.  Don't worry, once you get your band, OH will always be there and it seems the best place for information.

Good luck with your surgery!

cat

 I will indeed chat with my dr about my experience and maybe starting a band only group will be in the future.  

Thanks for the well wish on my future surgery Cat:)