Is there a GBS support group in the Greenbelt-Bowie-Lanham MD area?

I'm a new member to this site and my surgery should be approved within the next month or so. However my surgeon requires that I attend at least two support group meetings before I meet with him. Are there any support groups located in the Greenbelt-Bowie-Lanham MD area?

I don't know of any there, but is Silver Spring close enough for you? There are meetings at Holy Cross Hospital. I'm sorry that I don't know when those are, but you can call the hospital and they should be able to tell you. Good Luck! Kee

Kee, I did get the phone number for the Holy Cross Hosp group. I plan to give them a call today. Thanks. *Cara B.

I'm sure the doctor wants you to attend HIS suport groups and not just any support group. Best to check with him before getting disappointed and having to start all over again. ~Pookie

Thanks for replying so quickly. I did confirm that my surgeon doesn't care which support groups I attend as long as I go to at least two. *Cara

I read in your profile that you have Kaiser for your insurance company. You most likely will be referred to either Dr. Cantor at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD or Dr. Lin at George Washington University Hospital in DC. These are the only two surgeons that I know of in the area that Kaiser uses. (I vaguely recollect another one but his name escapes me at the moment.) Kaiser has a comprehensive 6 month nutritional program of their own that they require all their insured to go through before being referred to a surgeon. They also have a weight loss requirement that must be met during this period before the referral is made. I believe the time period is extended if the weight loss has not been met. (I believe that this is regardless of past dieting experiences. Although I'm not 100% sure of this) So while you are waiting to be referred to a surgeon it makes sense that they don't require a specific support group. ~Pookie

Hi Pookie, I know. I have satisfied all of Kaiser's requirements as of the 16th of August when I go to my last nutrition visit. She already told me that I would be at goal by then and would reccommend me for the surgery. I am really starting to get happy about the thought of finally rejoining the human race. Thanks, Cara B.

congrats Cara! ~Pookie

Hi Cara, My husband and I both had RNY surgery with Kaiser. We see Dr Finkleman at the PG Center. I am down 90 and he is down 110. We have been to several support groups in the area. Crofton meets the last Tuesday of the month and another group meets in the College Park area. I want to attend the Silver Spring meeting but have not checked it out as of yet. E-mail if you want more info. Lizzi S