upcoming surgery and looking for support groups

Hi everyone, I am scheduled to have surgery the beginning of Decemeber in Washington DC and have to attend a support group weekly at my surgeons office for 6 mos. However, I am also looking for a support group that meets in Northern VA. Any help? I am also looking for feedback on recovery time and the first few months recovery. I have two very small children and am trying to prepare for this change. Thanks so much ! Melissa

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!! Sorry I am southern Virginia, just wanted to pop in and say congrats!! Anna

There are several in Northern VA - There is Dr Anez's one that starting from next year will be in Reston Hospital and Louden Hospital alternating months, there is Dr Halmi's one that is on the first Thursday of every month in Potomac Hospital, there is the one Sue and I run in Stafford/Fredericksburg the third wednesday of every month (next one will be 13th Dec due to holidays) and one in Warrenton (not sure of the day of that one), one in Fairfax every third saturday etc . Maybe if you say where in Nothern VA you would like to go there may be more. Jackie

Jacqueline, Thanks so much for your response ! I live in Reston and am looking for groups in the fairfax county or loudoun county area. Can you go to support groups that are not affiliated with your surgeon ? I don't know how that all works. I would love to know where to find more info on the reston/loudoun meeting and the one in fairfax on the 3rd saturday (or any other in the areas I mentioned) My surgeon is in the District and his group is quite a hike for long-term. I know that I need all the support I can get. Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it and any more help you have would be great !!! Melissa

Melissa, Yes you can usually go to Support Groups even if it wasn't the surgeon who performed your surgery - but you shoudl check with whoever runs them. You can talk to Sally Myers at [email protected] and ask her these questions on Reston and Loudoun as she will be running these groups. You can tell her I gave you her name and details (I am Jackie Thodos in case you did not know lol!) She will know all about the meetings you are interested in. The one in Fairfax on the third saturday of each month is an informal group but a great place to make friends and many many good tips. I belong to that one s well as Dr Halmi's. To Join Send an email to: ObesityTransformation- [email protected] and the group leader Roberta will answer you. I am sure any of these support groups will welcome you with open arms! Jackie

Jacqueline, Thank you so much. I REALLY appreciate this. I will definately follow up : ) Melissa

Fairfax and Fair Oaks hospitals both have support groups. I believe the one at Fairfax is the first or second tuesday of the month. I know the info is on their pages. I need to attend one as well. Marlene