Xpost: Old Timers & support groups

 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?

 
There are no official support grous anywhere near me. But I meet up every six months or so with  fellow bandsters for a social/ support chat over lunch. 

Kate

I'm 3 years out and in the beginning my surgeon's office didn't offer a support group.  I used this site as my support group.  After a while using this forum I started reaching out to some people here on OH that lived in my general vacinity to meet for coffee.  Those coffee meetings organically grew into a support group.  I received some support group leader training from OH and now lead that group.  We meet live here in Seattle once a month and have a FB group as well.  There are about 15 regular members and a couple of them drive over 2 hours to come to the group meetings! 

The thing I enjoy the most is the comraderie!  We have become friends over time and I don't know about you, but it's hard to make good, close friends as an adult.  It's not like a friend you might make at work or church.  These SG friends know first had what I've been through.  We share not only the commonality of WLS but a real understanding of what it is or was  like to be obese; what our lives were like before and the joys and challenges of losing weight with the band.  (Our group is bandsters only) 

I also enjoy the fact that we are all at different stages in our journey.  We have a few old timers (one is 7 years out) and a couple that just had surgery 2 months ago.  Sharing experiences with people at all stages helps me remember where I came from and how losing 100+ lbs has impacted my life.

I'm so happy you went back to your support group!  If for no other reason, you have a lot of expericence to share that will definately help others just like you help us here on this forum.  I know you are a fellow believer in paying it forward.  What better way for you to do that than by sharing your story to those that will benefit from it the most!  You should start your own group Bette!  Jean and I could come out as guest speakers.  Well, she's the one with all the wisdom, I'm just her sidekick and sherpa...(those books are heavy)!

Great post!


Lisa O.

When and where are these meetings? I've been asking around for a while because Federal Way is too far for me. Would love to find one closer...

The group meets near Sea Tac Airport at the Valley View public library.  It's the Orilla exit off of I-5.  Beginning in March we are meeting on the first Saturday of each month from 10-12.  March's meeting is on the 3rd.

Yes, it's a hike from Duval but we have someone that comes regularly from Ellensburg!  It's hard to find a good group and ours is band only which makes it unique.

If you are on Facebook, you can join the group.  Just friend me, (Lisa Stell O'Leary) and I will invite you to the group (which is private) so you have to be invited.

At least you can get to know the group and then maybe that would entice you to make the trip.

If you're not on FB you can PM me and send me your personal e-mail.  I send out meeting reminders that way for people not yet on FB.

We'd love to have you join us!

Let me know. 

Lisa O.

Hi Lisa thanks for the info. That is actually at a time that I should be able to make it, sweet!  And still far but not as bad as Federal Way for me. I am on FB so I will send you a request. 

I have had my band since 07 and am revising to the sleeve. It's slipped and hasn't done much for me and now has to come out.  Would I still be welcome or would I be better off finding a VSG group? ;)

Hi,
Are you getting revised to the band or another surgery type?

Just curious.

Lisa O.

I haven't made it to support group for quite a while (but less than a year ago), but I have every intent on getting back there. I attend the group Lisa leads in the Seattle area. Even at 9 years out, I find it good to go to a group.

Unfortunately, I have a very hectic schedule so I haven't been able to make it regularly. I hope to change that next month!

 I'm not quite 3 years out, but close (March) and my NP and I are talking about me going into maintenance, so I'll go ahead and answer.

I now go every month, unless I'm sick or out of town.  In the beginning I didn't go during the winter because the meetings are held at night and I have to go alone and they are approx. 70 miles rnd trip for me.

I used some yahoo bandster email groups for support when I couldn't or didn't want to drive at night.

There's an unofficial group that sporadically meets in my hometown, so I guess you could say I go 2x a month at times.

Last time I was at my surgeon's support group, a pre-op asked me why I was there.  :/   ummm.. just because I'm thinner, doesn't mean I don't still have issues.

Edited to add: My surgeon's group and the local group are both mixed groups.  I'd LOVE to have a band only group.  

When I first got the band I worked in surgery with my surgeon. I also worked in bariatrics, when they first started the lapband program at our hospital. I was asked to lead the support groups and go to the seminars I did that for two years and got really burned out hearing about the band daily, So I told them I did not want to do the support groups any more. In December I was asked to lead it while the other girl was out of town and I found it really does help to be around others who have had WLS. I need to free up some time and get my butt back to them. I have had a real hard time getting back on track and I know it would really help.