Monday Morning Coffee !!!

Morning to all of Michigan, What are some of the main problums we as WLP have?
 
I think alot of us think that you do not need the help of others after surgery.
 
This is so wrong.
Studies are out that say that 85% of People that fail don't go to support groups at all.

I think this is true.  Do you?

Good Morning everyone!
Good topic today Randy.  I agree that we need support from other people.  I haven't been to a SGM in so long for two reasons...................
First, they were always 99% pre-ops with questions about surgery.  U of M has changed their format so that those post-ops that are farther out can have their own group.  I totally understand the need for newbies to ask questions, but meeting after meeting of me answering if the drain hurt was getting old.

Second, I am kind of embarassed.  This is something I'm really struggling with.  After 2 years post op I still weigh over 200 lbs., I can't lose any more weight no matter what I try, and I feel like people are going to look at me and think I'm a failure.  I want to put a sign on my shirt that says "I follow the rules!  I know what I'm doing!"  It's also hard to see those that have had surgery after me and have lost so much more than I have.  I know it's all in my head, but it really is a blow to my self-esteem, which is not what a support group is about.  I actually feel WORSE after a meeting!

Ok, sorry for rambling on, especially on a Monday morning.  I hope you all have a good day.  I will be smiling at the rain as my new sod soaks it up!

This is so true , But there are groups out there that are not for newbee's you have to look around or maybe try to get your leader class in and start a group that is for people a year out or more . I think that you and the rest of us Need this Alot....

Good Morning Michigan.  I am one of those newbies........I haven't yet been to a support group.  Been recovering, taking it easy.  But do hope to find one soon.  I have my 2 week post op tommorrow.  I do hope I can up my calories from 400 per day ( 4 shakes a day) my taste buds are getting bored with those.  I feel really tired easily.  I am really not hungry just want more tasty choices for when I do have to eat.  Other than that I feel great. 

I totally relate!  I got so tired of cold/milky/sweet things after my two weeks.  My first pureed food was refried beans and I put like 1/8 of a tsp. of salsa on them and thought I was in heaven!  I also missed hot food!  I think a lot of new post-ops concentrate on the shakes and don't have enough of a variety so they go a little stir crazy after the first few days.  Don't underestimate the need for the cream soups!

I'm glad you're doing so well!  Take this time to reaquaint yourself with your body and it's signals.  It's a great time for learning what it feels like to be hungry (and not hungry!).  Don't fight it when you feel tired.  Rest when you can and pretty soon that will go away, especially when you're able to add more calories.  That will let your body know that you're not trying to starve it. 

Like Randy said, support groups are great.....a way for you to ask and answer questions.  Now that you are post op be ready to guide those behind you and take experience from those ahead.

Ther are alot of support groups that are run by surgery teams This is a great start . But after you been there a time you get old info over and over again. That is why we need a groups for seasoned vets to go to.

I AGREE WITH YOU RANDY, THAT SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS ARE SO IMPORTANT. I KNOW THAT WHEN I WAS ASKED TO TRAIN TO BE A LEADER, I DIDN'T KNOW IF I WOULD LIKE IT. BUT IT HELPS ME TO KEEP ON TRACK AND TO STAY ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT I AM EATING AND FOR HOW I HANDLE THINGS. I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU AND DEB HAVE COME TO THE MEETINGS. I WISH MORE OF OUR FEELOW SURGERY FRIENDS WOULD COME AND GET SOME MOTIVATION FROM US!!! YOU AND DEB ARE DEDICATED TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO BE A SUCCESS. AS THE SAYING GOES, THE ONLY WAY WE CAN FAIL IS IF WE DON'T TRY!! SUPPORT MEETINGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT..

I am so glad to see our Metro Detroit Support Group getting up and running.  I have NO support from my surgeon's office, and really need to be with people struggling with my same issues.  I fall back into bad habits so easily, and late night snacking continues to be a problem.  My fascination with the lap band board has waned because most of the questions are related to new WLS folks.  I need a little more face-to-face support, so I agree with you completely, Randy.

Hi I am a newbie here and I just got my date today.  I live about 45 mins from my surgeons office so I am not sure where I will look for support.  I have been thinking of trying an overeaters anonymous group.  Have any of you sought out OA for support?