Support Group Meetings

Hey everybody!  Need some advice/info from those of you in the central Missouri region...I am almost 6 years post op.  I know the statistics say that those of us that stay active in support groups are more successful than those that don't...I am a nurse with aspirations of becoming a gastric bypass counselor at some point.  In the meantime, I would love to start or participate in a meaningful group that appeals to those my age....something we can learn from and grow with, expand our knowledge of the hurdles we face post op and be a support system for those around us.  What are you looking for in support....topics of education?  Ways to eat, exercise, whatever?  Or are you happy with just a sounding board?  Help me out....would love to share with others who are looking for support to stay on track after surgery!!  Happy New Year, Happy New You!!!  Julie

My surgery is scheduled and I am very nervous.  How can I follow a diet like this when I couldn't follow one before now?  RNY is major surgery that cannot be reversed easily.  I am trying to follow the post op diet now to prepare and I am not very successful.  What am I going to do?

Chefsmom1

i know it is hard to imagine but the main thing is that you no longer have a large stomach to fill up instead you have one the size of an egg....you would think you were starving to death if you were only allowed to eat what we eat after...dont worry you will have a hard time even getting everything down that you have to...i know it seems crazy but it is the truth....i wouldnt change having my surgery for anything in the world... but it is a life long commitment....protein, vit supplement and lots of water....so it isnt a get skinny quick scheme......good luck on the 11th you are doing what most people do before surgery , doubt your decision...but if i had to do it once a week i would....

Julie you do know that Dr. H  has a great support meeting, dont you? the couple of times that i have been to his meetings i loved them but you may still want more if so maybe you should start your own group....hope it all works out for you....and hope we see you lots more on here.

 I know going to meetings helps me stay accountable. I can tell when I haven't been to a meeting for awhile I do not stay on track as close as when I go. As time passes my needs have changed but just talking about my experience with pre ops helps enforce the rules for me. I still have questions and will always want to talk to others going thru the same issues.

That's what I think my "problem" is...I used to go every month very faithfully.  However, over time, the group became not as much support as what I was looking for....I think it's mostly an age difference.  The people that were there regularly were an older set, say 50's to 70's, and I'm in my 30's.  It's not that I don't appreciate the differences, there's just different problems to face...I'm still trying to raise my 2 kids, they are mostly retired, fixed incomes, etc....Plus, I don't want to step on anyone's toes...the lady that started our group here is wonderful, I am just hoping to find some post ops that are closer to my age that want to hash out our daily lives, learning needs.  And like you, I love talking and educating the pre ops...they just don't always realize everything they're signing on for!  Plus, I was 105 pounds at my lowest, obviously not where I wanted to stay, but now, at 130, I'm trying to stay put, or even lose a few...I know it would be a whole lot easier with a group to keep me accountable!  Ahhh...the webs we weave!

Hey, Chefsmom....good luck next week!  It's totally normal to have these doubtful feelings at this point.  This surgery is as much mental as it is physical...just follow the plan, it's all in the book you got from Dr. H, and use us when you need to...and when you don't!  The first few weeks aren't easy, but that's what support systems are for!  Good luck!