What are you doing for support during this time?

This has been such a difficult time for me within my WLS journey. I had my surgery in another state and have never really reached out for support here where I live now. I need it now more than ever! So I am wondering, besides here and in this forum, have you been able to find the support that you need? If so, what has helped you the most? I am feeling a little lost right now and would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

I have found myself in the same boat so to speak. I am having a very hard time. I've never been to a support group locally due to have bad social anxiety and a lot of my friends don't want to hear about the hard time I'm having.

I have a back issue that needs surgery and I'm fighting for that at this time too. So together I'm feeling rather lost too...it's a sucky feeling.

i do have a good psychologist that I see through zoom weekly. It's helping to have her to talk to about the bad stuff. I have a very dark life right now in my head but I know I'm not as alone as I often feel. Finding a good match with any kind of counselor is really a good thing. Know that you're not alone either and that I'm cheering you on!

Thank you for your support Melody. I am sorry to hear that you are having a hard time too and that you also have to endure medical issues during this time. I understand the social anxiety for sure as I experience the same. It was a struggle for me to attend support groups but it was required by my surgeon. It is great that you have a psychologist that you share your heart with. I have been in counseling previously but always felt like I left the sessions as the counselor! I am not sure what that says about me? Maybe it's time for me to reach out again. Please know that I am cheering you on as well!

I, B.C. (Before Covid) routinely went to 2-3 support groups a month, just to hold myself accountable. The last few months I have attended the zoom meetings that are offered, but I missed the last one and I am really sad. Granted, it was for a good reason, I was outside with my girls and we were doing yard work, but I still missed the meeting and kinda bummed I didn't remember.

I have logged onto a few FB groups and needed to back away since there was so much drama and I am sick of the Covid discussion. So, I've come here to try and help others out or I will sprinkle a little bit of (hopefully) help/guidance if I can offer it.

We have tried spending more time outdoors, even if it is eating dinner on the patio, doing yardwork etc. works so far...

Hi Dee! I can so relate! I cannot even turn on the news and rarely sign on to FB anymore. Eating dinner on the patio sounds like a good plan. I don't know why I haven't done so before now. I guess I have been getting in my own way by not enjoying the life around me. I am very grateful that you come here to share your advice and support.

I moved to Singapore 4 months after my surgery (now back in the US in another state) and so have only had good old Obesity Help as my support these past 16 years.

Getting support requires you to join and participate in a community, so it really is down to you how it works long term.

Hi Kim...Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I haven't been good about reaching out for support or for that matter, supporting others on Obesity Help or elsewhere. You are right, it is up to me how well I do in the long-term. I need to do better, that's for sure.

Have you connected with any Facebook Mom groups, or Neighborhood (like Next Door) groups? I asked ONE question, in our local Mom group, if there were any WLS peeps, who might be interested in getting/giving support. They are started coming out of the woodwork!! They range from old people, like me, 62 y/o and 18 yrs post RNY, and a newbie, who is 20, and awaiting her Sleeve schedule!

Try it ! I know there is a "meet up" thing, also, but I don't have any first hand experiment, with it

In the mean time - we are here! You will find the most traffic on the RNY board - all "surgery types" welcome

Thanks for your ideas Gina! With the exception of ObesityHelp, I haven't joined any other groups. I will look around!