support groups

hello, im new, just in the beginning process, i do have my 1st class scheduled for the end of july, and have referrels from my dr.  i was looking for a support group in sc, i went to the support group link, and it says there are none in sc.  i live in beaufort, sc and i thought  i read where some of you meet in charleston,  is this for anyone? we are new to beaufort, so i hardly know anyone here, and i would really love to meet some friends who have gone and are going through the same things as me. do i have to have to have my surgery scheduled before i can come?  please let me know,   i am so happy and excited to have found this site, i feel like i know some of you already, everyone is so friendly, helpful, and nice. thank you, esther dangerfield

Hi there I had my surgery in Beaufort good  luck there is a support group inN Chareston at Pizza Inn on Rivers ave every Thur at 530to when ever just a bunch of ppl talking & having fun love the group it is called LCBB Low Country By pass buddies you will love it ,also there is one in Beauort I think the last Thur of the month I had Dr McDevitte good luck ,I no longer live in Charleston just moved but have a bunch of friends for life there ,good luck Becky

Hi Esther, welcome to the Lowcountry and good luck on the journey you are about to embark on.  It is a wonderful thing! Yes, as Becky said, we do meet every Thursday night and you are definitely welcome.  We usually get there between 5:30 and 6:00 and stay until around 7ish (sometimes later).  Hope you can make a meeting. Susann

Susann,   Thank you for taking the time to write, you look beautiful, I have been scared to do this for so long and would not do it, but  after seeing people like you, I feel so much better, just knowing I'm not  alone, how will I ever thank  you all?  I plan to make the meeting Thursday the 19,  I'm excited about meeting you, I feel so happy, thank you again. esther dangerfield

Esther, Please know you are never alone in this fight.  There are a lot of us, which is why I started the LCBBers (Low Country Bypass Buddies).  We started 2 years ago as a couple of women who met to discuss the possibility of having the surgery, to now over 30 of us.  It varies who comes to the meetings but usually anywhere from a small group of 4 or 5 to 15 or 20 of us. Look forward to meeting you next Thursday. Susann