IM NEW AND I NEED SOME GUIDANCE

Im interested in getting WLS and im new to this site, and ive been getting alot of useful information that is provided here, however I havent been able to find a support group or how to go about finding one . I live in malverne on long island and I was hoping that someone knew a support group in the area. Im trying to get as much info as I possibly can, and I think that going to a support group meeting will allow me to meet and talk to people who would be able to share their experience. By the way ive been reading your posts and its just so wonderful to see that there is a whole community out there. Elena

Hi Elena. I can't help you with the meeting, but I did want to welcome you to the boards. There is a wealth of information here. Enjoy. Rachelle

Hi Elana and welcome! My surgeon, Dr Garber has support meetings in Rockville Center HEre is the information http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/forums/events.phtml?ID=980512295 Good Luck to you! Lisa

Try and search for a support group on Obesity Help. If they are registered, you'll find it. Marie

The only issue I have with support groups is that they are very centered on one surgery or another (in general). For instance I've been to support group meetings with only RNYers, I was the only DSer...and they had no DS information. That might not sound terrible, but the "issues" are different for both surgeries. I don't dump, I don't have to eat low fat, while I have some restriction, I can still eat a normal meal...so I don't have an issue with having to eat really small portion sizes, and since DSers are statistically less likely to regain weight...it's not a big fear of mine...but at this group those were the only things they talked about. So go to a group meeting, but don't let it be the deciding factor on if you will or won't have a particular WLS. Scott

Hi Elena, I also live on Long Island and I have discovered four different support groups. One is from my Dr. (Dr. Ahmad). Do you have a dr. yet? I absolutely adore him! His meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at Mather Hospital in Pt. Jefferson. Then I discoverd that Good Samaritin Hospital (west Islip) offers free meetings every other Saturday morning. Also, one of the ladies who posts here on this board has one at her house (selden) the third Tuesday of the month. And the last one I found was Life After WLS which is offered free at the Centereach Library on the last friday of each month. Please let me know if you need more information. I am not always able to attend each meeting each month, bc I work f/t and go to school (9credits) this semester, so life is very hectic, but prior to surgery I couldn't get enough in. One of my new years resolutions is going to be to get to atleast two a month, because I honestly feel it is a vital key to success. Surround yourself with knowlegable people and ask as many questions as you dare. This site and particularly this NY room is awesome! So many big losers! And wonderful stories....a wealth of information at your finger tips! Good luck, Maryellen RNY 7/31/06 -65 lbs already!

Maryellen, Thank You so much for your advice. Actually i dont have a dr. yet. I have pretty much been doing research for about 4 weeks now, and the more research i do, the more i am convinced this is the right thing for me. I looked up the locations you listed and they are kinda far for me, im in nassau county not to far from queens so its quite a trip out there for me, the closest one would be the Good Samaritin Hospital. I will try to find some info, but if you can you tell me how I can contact them or any info that you have. Thanks again, Elena

there is a meeting fro my group at Mercy in Rockville Centre second tuesday every month see website for Dr Spencer Holover they are the best group ever ive met manydrs local and do not go to south nassau Mercy is much better both are Centers of excellence

Elena you have a private from me Fern

Hello, I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the NY board! Keep us posted on your journey hun, if you have any questions please ask away. There are some really awesome people here, they become like your 2nd family. Debra P