I NEED YOUR OPINION

Hello ALL- Being 14 months post op... I am, submitting a proposal to an eating disorder center to add peer support groups led by licensed counselors for WLS individuals. This would provide ongoing support that deals with the emotional aspect of our special journey. I REALLY would appreciate your time answering the questions and sending them to me at: [email protected] Thank you for your help, Kristen Post WLS Questionnaire 1. What is your age group? 15-18 18-25 25-35 35-45 45-55 55-and older 2. Are you male female? 3. What is your marital status? single married separated divorced 4. Do you have children? yes no If yes, how many? What are their ages? 5. What was the date of your WLS ? 6. Do participate you in any eating disorder counseling? yes no 7. Do you have available group counseling for post WLS patients? yes no 8. If yes do you participate? yes no 9. If no, do you find that group counseling would be beneficial? yes no 10. How do you rank your need for support, on a scale from 1-10 1 being none and 10 being a greatly need? 1 5 10 none somewhat greatly 11. Please write the three forms a emotional support that would benefit your emotional recovery from WLS Surgery.

Hope this helps. Here my answers. 1. Age 37 2. Female 3. Married 4. 3 children (Boys age 11 & 13 Girl age 4) 5. Surgery was August 13, 2003 6. No 7. We have a monthly support group that meets. We discuss our problems and concerns and success. No real counseling goes on at these meetings. 8. I participate in the support group meetings. I did do some couseling shortly after surgery, nothing since 3 mths out though. 9. If there was a support group that specialized in the emotional side of this journey I would attend, since I feel that is a very important part of the success of this surgery. 10. I would rank it 8; needed 11. Seeing a shrink monthly to talk about the head hunger and other emotions that happen when you loose weight; having the support of a spouse (which I do) and having the support of your children and immediate family (which I do) Good luck. Vicky Orth RNY8-13-03 310/214