Missing support sytem..looking for a new one

ok everyone. I have posted on the SC site a few times now but here is my story. I just moved to Surfside Beach,SC about 6 weeks ago from NC. I had lap rny on 2/9/04. 3yrs post op now. I had alot of complications....14 surgeries...dropped down to a size 8......then due to surgeries/medications went back up to a 16...I had a wonderful support group in gastonia,nc *****ally helped me stay on track throughout everything. I moved here for a job and I am really happy here but I am missing my support system and so is my fiance. He is a wonderful man who has never had weight issues but has been 100% supportive. He misses our support group because it really helped him understand what i had been through and what we would continue going through. I have started to lose weight again. i am down to a 14 again and still losing slowly....BUT with all the good that is happening in my life I miss my support group because without the support of others I don't know how I would have made it through the past 3 years. There doesnt seem to be any support groups in this area and that saddens me because I know that we all need support..I dont care if you are 2 weeks post op or 3yrs post op like myself. This change we have made is forever and so is the support we need.......I know I sound like I am whining but I am not really. I am really outgoing and happy....just missing being around others who understand. SO..if there is anyone out here in this area interested in trying to start up a support group please contact me.......plus i know a bunch of you are meeting in Myrtle Beach sometime in March and I would love to have the opportunity to meet everyone..I only get online at work and I will be off until Friday night but I will check all my messages then.. Take care everyone, Tina

Tina, my sister lives in Myrtle Beach and she had surgery almost 2 years ago. She is not part of a support group either but maybe the two of you can get one started. She has lost 145 lbs and is doing great. I will let her know about you and maybe y'all can get together or something. Susan

Hi Tina ... Sorry to hear you're feeling all alone over there at the beach. Maybe you could contact the bariatric surgeon in that area to see if there are any support groups around. We'll be at the Landmark from March 23rd thru the 25th, so plan to come and join us then, ok? And until you find some support in your area, we'll do our best here on the board to be there for you. ~ Dawn

YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTACT THE LOCAL HOSPITALS TO SEE IF THERE IS A BARIATRIC UNIT WHICH WOULD USUALLY HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP. BUT, IF THERE ISN'T ONE THERE, THEN YOU BE THE ONE TO START A GROUP!!! YOU WOULD BE A WEALTH OF INFORMATION & HELP FOR OTHERS WHO ARE NOT OUT AS FAR AS YOU ARE! OUR LOWCOUNTRY BYPASS BUDDIES STARTED WITH 2 LADIES, MS SUSANN & MS LORI, WHO DECIDED TO MEET AT A LOCAL RESTUARANT ONCE A WEEK EVEN BEFORE THEY HAD SURGERY ... WE NOW HAVE 30 OR SO PEOPLE + SPOUSES & FRIENDS ... WHO COME TO MEETINGS WHEN THEY CAN. &, WE HAVE SO MANY "REGULARS" NOW, THAT WE ALSO HAVE A MORE SOCIAL MEETING 1 SATURDAY A MONTH AT ONE OF THE MEMBERS' HOMES. USE THE BOARD HERE TO POST WHEN YOU CAN MEET & WHERE ... IF JUST ONE PERSON COMES, YOU HAVE THE BEGINNINGS ... WHO KNOWS HOW BIG IT CAN GROW! GOOD LUCK MS TINA. GOD BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk

Tina, I am sorry to hear you are having support withdrawals. I don't know what I would have done without our LCBB group here in Charleston. I hope you will come see us when we are in MB in March. We would love to see you. Meantime, keep posting about your area. We started our group here online last August and we have gone from 2 ladies meeting to discuss surgery to about 30 of us. Not everyone comes at one time, but every week we have a good group to support one another. Take care and hope to see you in March! Susann

Thank you everyone for responding....That is how our gastonia support group started..just a couple of people at a restaurant...and yes i look forward to meeting everyone in March....I dont live to far from the landmark...can be there in 10 minutes on a bad traffic day.........I will definitely get in touch with the local hospital..that was a good suggestion that i didnt think of.......and as far as your sister who had the surgery please give her my name and email address...i would love to talk with someone from the area..and like you all said possibly start a group in this area because I know if there isnt one already then there are alot of people missing out... thanks again and I look forward to meeting everyone in march.. Tina