Looking for a Support Group

Hello All, I just recently started my journey to have wls.  I am interested in a support group near the glen burnie MD area? Anyone know of any? I would greatly appreciate it =) Thanks!! Ann

Hi Ann, We have a support group in Crofton at the Crofton Library on Riedel Rd. The next meeting will be June 7th 6 to 8pm  Then the next meeting will be on June 21st  6 to 8pm also. We would love to have you so please come! Best wishes on your journey.

I will be there for sure! What exactly goes on at a support group meeting?

We talk about our experiences and if there are any new people we introduce ourselves and tell you a little about our journey and answer any questions that you might have.  It is a pretty lay back support group full of wonderful supportive people.  I think you will enjoy coming I hope to see you there.

Hi Ann,

I recently got an e-mail from you, I hope some of the info in my profile helped. I also go to the Crofton support group Cira talked about. It's a great group of people. We had two preop ladies at the last meeting and I think they got some good info. It can be a tough decision to have the surgery and also each leg of the journey can be stressful, so it's nice to have a resource to fall back on when you need info, support, or even hand-me-downs!! ;-) Hopefully we'll see you at the next meeting. Take care,

Hi Ann, I too am on my journey and Dr. S is my surgeon. I have my appointment with him on July 2. I just sent in all my stuff to my insurance company and hope to have approval in hand when I see him so I can get my surgery scheduled. I am going to have the DS. Research shows that it is more effective for the super morbid obese and thats me. Have you decided on your choice of surgery. I did lots of research and if you want info on the DS I can send it to you. In the meantime, I don't know if you knew that bayview has a support group. Several of us are going to the one at Bayview on June 12 at 5:30. Would your schedule allow you to join us? We would love to meet you. Jo

Wow, Thank you guys so much for your kind words of support! Its so nice to actually talk to people who know EXACTLY what I'm going through! I have not decided which route I am going to go just yet.  I am hoping to meet with Dr. Schweitzer and discuss my options.  I think I am still going to go with him just because I know he's one of the best out there right now.  But I am looking into other surgeons just to keep my options open.   I am excited about the support group meetings.  I was just telling my husband I am really looking forward to them.  I hope to see you guys there =) Thank you again for all the wonderful words of encouragement and the tons of information.  It means a lot to me!! Ann

Ditto on the support group at Bayview -- I'm a Schweitzer pt myself, still waiting for a date!  I too decided on the DS although I am what is considered a "lightweight." Hope to see you there! Hugs, nancy

Ann, I work in Dr. Schweitzer's office (I'm the database and web person, and not a medical person in any way). We have support groups at Bayview which wouldn't be too far from Glen Burnie, and you'll get a parking waiver at the group.  Upcoming groups include: Lap Band/Sleeve Gastrectomy Group - Thurs. June 7, 5:00 - 6:00 pm Gastric Bypass/Duodenal Switch - Tues. June 12, 5:30 - 6:00 pm Gastric Bypass/Duodenal Switch - Thurs. June 21, 5:00 - 6:00 pm Maybe you've been to one of these, but there's also a general information session for people who aren't sure what kind of surgery they might be interested in and are just looking for more information. The next one is Tues. July 10 from 4:30 - 5:30. More information on the groups can be found on our website, www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariatrics, or you can call the office at 410.550.0409.  FYI, I was on the ASBS site the other day and noticed they now have a section listing support groups (http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/patients/resources/asbs_direct ory_supportgrp.htm).  Good luck!  Lisa

It is amazing HOW many people had Dr. S as a surgeon.  I have had him for lap band.  I was looking on the Maryland Board for a support groups down my way in Calvert County.  Take Care Diane H.