Tuesday Questions...

Okay - I'm still sick - but at work - so I'm going to keep this one simple! Do you attend a support group? What is the name of the support group you attend? How often do they meet? When was the last time you attended? What is one thing you wish the support group would address? Tonja

I actually attended my first support group meeting this month. It was interesting to hear others stories and listen to the advice they had for others. I am looking forward to going back next month. oh, its the one held by surgiacl associates in tulsa.

Sherry - Tell me about this group. Can anyone attend?? When and where is it? 

Do I attend?  yes, when I'm reminded What's the name?  um, help me out, Tonja...Band of Distinction, I think How often do they meet?  twice a month.  Tues p.m. & Sat a.m. When was the last time?  I think I was there last month on Tues (nobody reminded me about Saturday) What would I like to address?  geocaching (just kidding).  I'm torn on this question.  I have opinions on what my ideal would be, but that's going to continue to change, as my progression with the band changes...and I like how our meetings are now.  Cathy  

Basically, this is my support group and our dinners, but I would like to go to Bands of Distinction.  I just put a post on the main board about being "outed" by my Mom, but I think that may be something that people will have to deal with and I'm working through it right now. I'm all in favor of support groups though-once you have WLS you become a subset of fat person-a person who has resorted to SURGERY to deal with a weight issue.  So , it helps to have friends, especially ones that have been there before.  I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's toughest when you've had the surgery and are still heavy (uh, like me) because you can no longer HOPE for surgery and you can't yet say "LOOK< IT WORKED". Another thing that would be helfpul would be eating with others.  I see it come up quit a bit on the boards, and is something I'm working through too.  One of my new bandster T-shirts is going to say "QUI****CHING TO SEE IF I GET STUCK"

Can you come tonight?  I'd love to see you...and I know Tonja would love to have you there, too.

Cathy

I have not gone to a support group meeting yet, but I can't wait! I just went to my first informational meeting today.  (Dr. Gorospe) I want to go to another informational meeting by surgassoc.com (Dr. Katsis & Fisher), AND attend a support group meeting from each surgeon and see not only which surgeon I like but what support group meeting I think I will benefit most from! I think both of these surgeons' support groups meet once a month and 4 x a year on Saturday's for clothing exchange.

I've never attended a REAL support group, like put on by professionals. But in Michigan I went to lunch every Wednesday with a group of wls patients, they were my support group!! They were there to celebrate all my wow moments and to cry with me through my frustrations and failures. 

I do like the getting together to eat.  I think you do learn a lot from watching others.  And, I'm going to be the one to point out when someone is drinking while eating.  I would want someone to ask me about my bite size if they thought it was too big.  And I would want someone to say something if I were eating too fast.  It's a learning experience for all of us and it will always continue to be. Of course, I do love the Band of Distinction group and it's open to everyone - regardless of what surgery type you had or who your doctor was.  We love everyone! It's all good! Tonja

***blushing*** I just knew you were watching me last Monday.  Tonight's meeting was a blast.  Thanks, Tonja!! Cathy