Derry vs Portsmouth support groups

For the people who have attended both meetings-  what are the differences between the two?  I've never gone to a support group meeting in Portsmouth (the drive is just too far), but I am curious!  I was under the impression that the Portsmouth groups were huge and conducted a little differently than the Derry groups (which is usually just four or five people.)

The general support group meeting is usually full, and It has about half of the room of people who have had surgery and half that have not.  There is always a speaker for both Lap and RNY.

The Post op support group meeting starts a 530 (earlier than the other) Its seems like there are about 20 or so peeps there.  Following the 530 meeting there is a Lap only meeting at 630, so us RNYers gotta get out.  I'm not sure why that is cus the first half of the meeting also has Lap banders in it too....... Have I confused you yet???   

I didn't realize they had a separate lap only meeting.

Or try the support group at CMC.  They have a support group for pre-op and one for post-op,  The post op is for Lap band and RNY and its on the last Wed or Thurs of the month, can't remember.

I really like the Derry group with PRH, I was just curious about the differences between how the two groups were run (since they're both part of the same program.)

I have gone to both groups pre surgery.  I liked them both.  Derry is just too far for me to travel after work, it takes 1 hour 15 mins for me.  I have found I like the Portsmouth group also.  It is larger, but each speaker is informative.  I say just stay where you are.  I loved the size of the Derry group.  It was so comfortable.

I attend the support meetings at the CMC, but would be interested in seeing how are meetings are. Where and when are the meeting in Derry?

They are at Parkland Medical Center in one of the classrooms, I just can't remember which one.  You just go in the main entrance of the hospital, and ask the front desk person.  They can direct you from there.  They are on the first Monday of each month beginning at 6:00 pm.

The pre-op meeting is the first monday, and the post op meetings arethe third monday (this coming Monday, 8/18.)  I'll be there if you want to stop by!  :)