How could I make this happen?
Why not do like we do with the South of the River coffee group? No rules, no requirements, just a group of people who get together for coffee on Saturday mornings (or whenever you decide to meet.)
Pick a place that doesn't mind if you hang out for awhile, and preferably doesn't serve really bad-for-you food. Panera doesn't quite fit that bill, we tend to avoid the food but they have a large enough place for us to meet and chat for awhile. We hang out for an hour and a half or so, whatever people have time for. We talk about our triumphs and troubles, give hints and advice, and also plan other fun stuff. It's just a great group of people who have become a surrogate family!
Pick a place that doesn't mind if you hang out for awhile, and preferably doesn't serve really bad-for-you food. Panera doesn't quite fit that bill, we tend to avoid the food but they have a large enough place for us to meet and chat for awhile. We hang out for an hour and a half or so, whatever people have time for. We talk about our triumphs and troubles, give hints and advice, and also plan other fun stuff. It's just a great group of people who have become a surrogate family!
That is exactly what we do and are in the South of the River group. A support group is just that--support from other people who are going through what you are going through. Just pick a place and time and let people know--I'm sure your surgeon's office would be willing to let you post a note about it, and also use OH to publicize it. Meet-up is another good place to publicize it.