I need an OSU support meeting!

UGH...it amazes me that such an excellent bariactric surgeon can have such a sucky support and therapy group. At the support group meetings there are mostly pre-ops who are being made to be there as part of their check list of things to do...there were 3 post-ops (myself included) but none of us had surgery with this surgeon. The therapy group is geared towards post-ops but there are no topics, no education...just what's going on and we go from there and just share...but there was only 4 of us and 2 are only 6 weeks out. I need to talk to some patients farther out, I would especially like to talk with one of my surgeon's patients who have had her do a hernia repair w/ TT. It just seems like they force people to go in order to have surgery and partly as follow-up but there is nothing to the groups that makes people want to keep coming. I really felt like going tonight, wasn't sure if I HAD to have another one signed on my to do list. And I just seem to talk...I asked if anyone else stock piled food still...and you would have thought I had 2 heads. I don't feel supported. Then the 6 week patients were talking about how they have no idea how other post-ops they know can eat so much...and I was like FYI, you WILL be able to eat more as you get farther out...and they looked surprised. I can only find a handful of her patients on here, and the ones I e-mailed never replied. The surgeon has excellent skills and has thorough hoops you have to jump to "prove" yourself worthy, but that personal touch is not there at all. Will someone clone Shannon and send her down here?

Bless your heart, I just read your profile (can't sleep due to nerves about PS consult today). I am two years plus and still can't lose the rest of the weight. I don't have all your medical problems and wondered if maybe the slow loss is due to various medications you are taking. Keep your chin up, it will get better, Write if you need extra support or a nudge, I can do that since you are about the same age as my daughters. Prayers your way, Darla

Sarah, I know exactly what you mean, I need support and just to talk the further I am out. I have my own support group and I am going to every one that is close enough to drive to. Plus I go to Obesity Help events. I seem to need all that I can get. On another note, I have a friend that has severe swelling in the legs that has never been diagnosed with anything but it seems similar to the pictures that you had showed me of your legs with the lipedema w/lymphedema. Can you give me a name or names of doctors in Ohio or surrounding area that specialize in this that they could go to for help. Most PCP are useless in this area because they know nothing about it. Any help or advice you could give on where to start with getting help would be appreciated. You know, you could always move back to Ohio!!! Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, I was diagnosed with primary lymphedema by Dr. Smead at OSU, he is a vascular surgeon. However, the lymphedema specialist I see now, diagnosed me with the primary lipodema with secondary lymphedema. So while Dr. Smead is somewhat knowledgeable there might be better options out there...I didn't know any better at the time. You can go on http://www.lymphnet.org and do a search of practioners. I remember there are several listed from Cincy. (hope posting that URl doesn't get me in trouble) Take care and check out my post about what's happening with me today. Sarah

Hey Sarah! I wish we could just package us up and come down there and give you a big hug!! I have a directory of people going here, would you like to be added and have a copy sent to you? Maybe just networking with us back here online will help too! That is a shame. I have said from the git go that positive support is CRUCIAL for success. You have got to have it, and quite frankly if that surgeon was so wonderful, she would have a good support system in place. Another reason I love my OSU. I will keep praying for you, and you keep emailing and calling, and you know where to find me when you come back to Ohio. We'll have to give you a big Buckeye Welcome next time you come up this way. Hang in there sweetie, you know we love you back home! HUGS! Val