do you attend local support groups?

I have been pretty consistent with attending the support group that is offered by the hospital that did my surgery since I began the process in decemer 07. I think that is one of the reasons aside from BAF that I've been successsful up to this point because I do stay connected to my support system.  This got me thinking do BAF fam attend local support groups or is OH/BAF the only support you have? Do you think you are more or less successful because of the groups?

Hey Queen!

I only ever attended one group meeting.  It's not for me.  I have thought several times about going again - but never do. 

I prefer the online and BAF! 

I have created a support group locally.  I enjoy the online support as well.  IMO, I believe support is necessary for all of us to be successful. 

Afternoon MM! I'm realizing that it also depend on the leader of the group. We had one leader that was phenomenal!!! She was a nurse but also had the surgery 5 years ago. So she could give us advice from the real life experience as well as the technical or clinical. She moved and now we have two people a nurse and a volunteer who had her surgery like 7-10 years ago. So she always have to defer to other members of the group because her surgery was so long ago and the nurse can answer what's suppose to happen but don't have the experience to share. So for the past couple of months BAF has been it for me.

I attended one as a pre-op!!!  I will be going to my first post-op one on Jan 19th. 

I think it will be only a good ithing plus I will be meeting some OH people for the first time....

I got to two support groups one in Freemont twice a month and one in San Francisco once a month.   We are often asked to speak which I don't really enjoy but I like going to groups because I think they help keep me from getting fatter.

I agree Lee I think its a way to stay accountable. This year I will have to make a more conscious effort to attend.

Hi Lee - I'm going to be having RNY Jan. 15th and I've been trying to find a support group meeting as I believe UCSF (where I will be having my surgery) may not offer one.  I will ask them at my pre-op appointment on the 9th.  I live in Antioch so San Francisco is not that far but I was wondering if you knew of any others in the area.  I'm from SF but if I could stay in the east bay that would be great.  Any info. you have would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah I go to the South San Francisco meeting at Kaiser hospital.   They have both pre-op and post op meetings once or twice a month.   You don't have to be a member of Kaiser to attend the meetings.    Look up KAiser S.SF number and ask for Bariatrics dept and get the schedule and directions.   

Or if you remind me on the BL,  when I get home I will email the info to you

I usually go but haven't been since SEPT. last year been busy getting house back on track have to set calendar on phone to remind me of the monthly meetings. They are ok like everything else you have to leave what you don't need and take what you do.