WeightWise Folks - Information Needed

Here's what I think: For one, I think Dr. K. is doing a great job with the meetings as is, I enjoy both the educational and the group discussion sessions, and I don't mind the two hours. However, it is true that the meetings are packed and I do think having them every week may help ease up the load a little. I think that if extra meetings are to added, those should be structured with guided/group discussion only, and no educational speaker. Basically leave the two as they are and add two with discussion only.

I think the chair set up in the room could be improved, so as to avoid the "back of the room" issue. If more people can make eye contact with each other, it would be very helpful and the atmosphere more inviting. I think a lot of new people and pre-ops end up in that section and feel not included, I know, I was one of them at one point. I know that some of us are familiar with one another, and feel more comfortable at these meetings and we look forward to them. I think it is important to realize that people are going to get as involved in the SG discussions as their comfort level will allow and you, Ruth, do a great job at encouraging everyone to partecipate!!  It may be helpful to have, as Wendy suggested, part of the discussion designated for post-ops and part for pre-ops, then on the other end, I feel better knowing the floor is open to anyone, pre and post, to chime in.

Hope this helps!

Anna

I agree with John.  Our little group is warm, loving and fun.  However, I think we can be intimidating to the newbies.  We need to avoid comment during the presentation and leave out what might be considered "inside jokes".  We sure don't intend to leave anyone out or, worse, have questions go unanswered!

I also think we should sit in the back and force the newbies to the front.  They will hear better, make eye contact with Dr. Keller, and feel more engaged in the entire process. 

Just my opinion!  With this and a few bucks, you can get a cup of coffee at Starbucks!  (if you're lucky!)

I tend to agree with John and Kim.  We do (post ops) need to sit towards the back for the newby's to have the front row seats.  We were somewhat distracting to those around us and Dr. Keller as well last Thursday.  When we can't hear then they sure enough can't hear in the back.    We sould keep our jokes and comments to ourselves at a more appropriate time.  We need to remember we were there once and wanted all the information we could get to help make a more educated choice.  I would be willing to be put on an assigned date to attend to make our groups more manageable.  I do enjoy all my OH friends but we can have our fun on here and at our meet and eat.  FOR WHAT MY TWO CENTS IS WORTH!!

Hey - I was just thinking - I wonder if there is some way to have badges or name tags or something at the group that say "RnY" or "VSG" or "LapBand" that the post-op folks (at least those willing to be subjected to questions) could wear during these large meetings...

I remember when I first started coming there were some folks in the room who I assumed had to be spouses, but then later it turned out they were just successful post-ops.  I wish I had been able to get up the nerve to ask them questions back then.

Just a thought... it might make it easier for the pre-op folks and their families to feel more comfortable asking questions if someone has "volunteered" themselves by wearing a tag/badge/sticker of some sort....

John

I think that is an excellent idea!

As an out-of-towner, I can't speak to the current structure of the support group.  However, it would be incredible if you could set up some type of video conferencing, internet feed, or whatever you call it. I have no support group in my area and by reading the posts I am aware that I am missing so much.  If all of you brainiacs could figure out some way to include us, it would be awesome.

Wow!  You guys are good! 

I have also worried were were offending or excluding the newbies.  We are a pretty close group of people and tend to hang together.  I don't think we intentionally exclude anyone, it just happens.

Some of my thoughts:

1) I liked the idea of only doing the educational part quarterly

2) sessions with only post-op folks would be great

3) rearrange the room so that the chairs face each other in the middle- half faces the screen and half face the reception area.  That way we could acutally see each other and maybe hear the questions.

4)I would happily pay (like the diet classes) for a smallish group session lead by Dr. Keller to deal with the psychological issues and other things that crop up on this journey.  People would have to sign up to attend.

5) hold specific support group meetings for the pre-ops and newly post-op.  You would need a group of more experienced post-ops to volunteer to attend on a rotating basis to provide their input for the newbies

6) I would happily wear a name tag with my first name and surgery type and date- good idea!

7) Maybe there could be a support group for pre-ops once a month that is a tour of the facility- even the OR and recovery?

That's my 2 cents!

Denise

I like the other ideas about haviing separate groups, etc. because I don't want to see anyone left out either, and I'm bad  because I get so excited at the groups. I go every time determined to keep my mouth shut, but I don't. Maybe I should stop coming...

I say kill the educational portion and take it to a montly or quarterly format. Most of the speakers have been kind of boring except for the docs and Dr. Keller.

I think sitting in the back is an excellent idea.I wonder if we could make the room for a circle or semi-circle or something?

Would sign-up sheets work?