Old-timers: who still does support?

I stopped going to support group meetings about 3 years ago, for a number of reasons. That was also about the time I sort of lost my way, started drifting back into old (preop) habits, eating the wrong things and putting some pounds back on. 

I finally dragged my ass back to a group last night and realized how much I really enjoyed them and how much going and talking to other WLS people: newbies and old-timers - means to me and my success. 

For you guys who are, say, 3+ years out (especially those in the maintenance phase) . . . do you still go to support groups? How often?

Congratulations for taking the first step to getting back on track.  I'm only 1 1/2 years out and still trying to loose the last 15 - 20 lbs.  I find that if I'm not on here logging foods, activities and weight daily, it is easy to get off track.  I was off of here for a few months and the last month I didn't ven bother with my weekly weigh-ins.  I have been able to maintain my weight loss, however.  As soon as I got back on here I felt like I was accountable to someone even if they don't know me.  I do much better and feel more confident about loosing the rest of my weight while the malabsorbtion is still working in my favor.  I think logging food and being accountable to someone else is key for me.    Good luck to you.  Elena

Yes, my DH (we both had RNY) and I go to my doc's support group on a pretty regular basis. My doc's bariatric practice has very relevant topics that are discussed with some months having more than one meeting. Professionals are brought in to conduct the meetings and interaction is encouraged. Some of the meetings are conducted by staff from the doc office (exercise, nutrition and doc). We also have a reunion yearly with professionals to speak to us and a holiday party in Dec.

Chris

I am 8 years post op.  I went to support group for the first 5 years until the group ceased to exist.  I had my surgery a couple of hours away from where I live.  Right before I had my surgery, they started doing them here where I live.  So, I attended the local support group that had started because I couldn't drive 2 hours to my surgeon's group. I actually got to know the local surgeon and his coordinator and was running his group when he decided to retire.  With no newbies coming in, the group just dwindled and they closed it.  I miss it!

I found out a couple of weeks ago that the other hospital in town now does the surgeries and have started a group.  I plan on trying to attend that group because I do miss going and interacting with other post ops. 

 I'm almost eight years post op.

I stopped going entirely early on, though the reasons are varied.

Ironically, my only meetings were when I was IN the hosptial for seizure treatment, and last year I went to one the night before my abdominal surgery for gut pain.  :x  I felt COMPLETELY OUT OF PLACE.   

I couldn't sit there and listen to a talking head about very basic post op issues.  They were discussing things that were just common sense.  And then the newbie questions that take over a whole meeting for post ops?  "Hi, Can I eat *this food* yet?"  

I felt that we'd benefit from groups for longer term post ops -- because our needs were not discussed.

It was almost like a revival -- look at me -- I 've lost 200 lbs!  Go me!  And then glossing over the important stuff, and adding a commercial....  Not for me.

I much prefer small groups - targeted discussions - and DEEPER topics. 

Nope I never could really go, they were always on the night I had to work late so I did the mandatory meetings and the few I could squeeze in afterwards and everything else came from OH or just making my own eating plan.  I remember sitting through my surgeons introductory speech the second time after I had surgery (I was there to support a friend considering surgery) and he said that support groups were fine but they are mainly for people who are non-compliant or never made goal and they were probably not the people to listen too.  lol lol  I found that amusing he was dissing his own support group.  Now I see he is posting on the CT board, my how things change, I guess the cash cow dried up so hes a little more humble these days.  

When I had my surgery over 10 years ago, my surgeon/hospital did not have a group and I felt odd asking if I could participate in another hospital/surgeon's group....so I never went. Fast forward 8 years and I've moved to a new town. A coworker of my husband's who knew I had WLS invited me to a local group; I went LESS as a means of support/information and more as a coduit to meeting people in my new town. I still go on occasion but again, not really for the information; more for the social aspect.

I'm not really a kumbyah joiner type, so I knew I'd never go to meetings.  I rely on my friends on OH for support, and lately, lots of entertainment!

I really come here to lend support and a guiding hand to the newbies and to commiserate with the old timers.

Basically I was in a good place when I had my surgery and continue to be. 

Kim

My support group meets once a week and yes, I still go.