Support and TLC in Charlotte, NC

Looking for other post-op WLS patients in Charlotte, NC, who are interested in a support  group addressing post-op issues in-depth. They would be  process-oriented/psycho- educational groups, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the those of us who have  had WLS and need

Perhaps you are having difficulties adjusting to the physical, emotional and spiritual changes as a result of your surgery/surgeries. You may be struggling with feeling disillusioned, believing that losing weight would "magically" change your life. (See the list below for topics that would be covered.) The groups would provide a safe and supportive place to address these issues. (It would not be a therapy group, in the sense of "fixing" participants, but a place to allow everyone to have their say and help each other.)

Cary Collins, MEd., a licensed professional counselor, has agreed to facilitate such a group if there are enough people interested. She has experience leading similar groups in the area. Both daytime and evening groups are a possibility, depending on the level of interest.   The following issues would be addressed in our group:

How to handle the fact that you can eat very little food when you have head hunger. Setting and maintaining boundaries. Overcoming fear of people and learning to speak with your authentic voice. How to handle the fear of regaining the weight. Romantic relationships during and after weight loss. Healing from grief issues. I thought I'd be happy when I lost weight, but I'm not. Body image issues. Claiming or reclaiming your sensual/sexual self. Overcoming depression. Relationship changes with family and friends. What to do if you switched from food to alcohol, sex, shopping, gambling, etc. Changing unhealthy behaviors. How to make yourself exercise.   The weekly sessions would be 90 minutes and cost $40 per session.  The group would be on-going and open, so people could join the group at any time. Some basic screening will be done prior to starting the group. This is to ensure each person's appropriateness for the group, to find out whether participants are involved in therapy otherwise, and are comfortable with being in a group setting.   If you are interested, please send me a message or call me at (704) 999-1930. If you  prefer to contact Cary directly, her email address is [email protected]. and her  phone number is 704-860-6944.

The groups will start November 5. Each meeting will be 90 minutes and cost $40 per session. It will be limited to 12 people maximum (6 minimum). Please contact either Cary or me by Sunday, Oct. 28 to pre-register. (Phone numbers and email addresses are listed above).  Please let us know if you'd prefer a day or evening group. If you email, please include a phone number so we can speak with you in person. Thanks -- and remember:  You are not alone!

I wish you were near Raleigh. I'd be the first to sign up!

Good Luck,

Barb

These topics sound very interesting and helpful! Nona Patterson, Ph D off Randolph Road, Charlotte has also started a similar seminar for WLS patients. I live about 35 miles from Charlotte and have 2 small children.  Any ideas on the time and location, so I can see if this is feasible for me?   Thanks for the info!

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks for your message.  We don't know yet where the group(s) will be held.  Cary's current space does not have a conference room, so she is scouting locations where one is available.  We need to see how many people are interested before we can determine the location. I will keep you posted.  Thanks again for your interest. Take care and be well, Celia