info for support group? You opinion needed!

Hey DX, I's sure that with prep and all your info you will hold an awesome meeting. The local group we have alternates meetings.  1 month it is a group check in with time for question and answers, the next month they try to have an "expert" Dr., Psych, Nut, Plastic surgeon etc. It's really nice.  One of the primary physicians in this area actually pays for our meeting room at the performing arts center where we live.  He also attends regularly to answer questions and he requires that his patients attend before surgery and encourages continued attendance. For me I think one of the biggest things would be an explanation of why. Don't eat this, and why Don't take these meds and why no carbonation and why etc. Links to web sites were very useful.  It's how I found this site. Anything to encourage participation of the guys.  There just aren't the resources tailored to the guys like there are the girls, so that would be helpful. Post WLS patients sharing their stories with the pre-op people. Scott

DX,

I liked Scott's idea of Don't ________ and why.  I would add Do _____ and why.  I find that when I understand why doing/not doing something is important, I am more compliant.  I would consider adding exercise tips.  

I would give people the chance to ask questions.  It also wouldn't hurt to ask people what they find most helpful or what they need.

Jim 

"Simple WLS friendly Recipes and Food Ideas?"
"Nutrition/Vitamin Info?"
Those two are real good.  #1.  We know there is good food in the house or at the store.  We just don't know where to look for it.  #2.  "My doctor is on a vitamin kick".  There are many people who have not heard that you could die or be deathly sick because you did not take your vitamins after RNY.  They were told many times (I had to sign two wavers that I was told what could happen).  Explain it again about B-1, B-12, calcium, iron.  Explain it is not an option!!  Those are the two biggies I saw.  The foamies, dumping, ketosis, dehydration all could be good review topics.  Brian

Hi DxE: This is a great idea. I was wondering if after you are done can you post this list so we can all see it? Thank you, George

Sure thing... Using these ideas and ideas from others We are setting out to start rolling these 'bad-boyz' out!! I'll post once I have some... Best Wishes- Dx

Dx, I'd also like to see your list once you have a completed list. From someone who currently still attends support group meetings....  I love the way our leaders bring topics about being healthy, as well as reminding of those little things we need to pay attention to.  For example, a recent topic was "Mindful Eating".  This ended up coming at us in 3-4 parts, but each provided studies done (and the results and WHY WHY WHY it happens), not many good pictures.. though, they do a good job in trying =), resources to read more (book titles, URLs, etc) and delivery is outstanding. I personally believe the number one thing that keeps me going back is the discussions.  We have plenty of time to openly discuss whatever.  Usually it stems from whatever the topic is, but to me... it's the more practical answers to questions.  Not what some author suggests or proposes to be done to help something, but more so, what the person sitting beside me does to help get passed whatever roadblock or stumbling point.  It matters more to me what a real person does to overcome.  It also depends on the material presented too.  Coleen Cook's book/advice is pretty good for me most of the time.  I also like acronyms.  One we use is WEPNSS (Water, Exercise, Protein, No Snacking, Supplements, Support Group).  Those are our 'weapons' to success, etc. I'll see if I can get you more information.  I'll PM it to you if I'm able to attain any.

caleab, Thanks! I like the "acronyms" idea... That does make it easy to keep the info in the head. I'm doing this with others and I should have something to show- (a block of printable handouts) By the end of the summer. The goal is to make them as visual aids and collections of Facts that will support the face to face discussion rather than replace it. Yes? PM me if you have more ideas! Best Wishes- Dx

I had a couple of fun Support Group meetings where I demonstrated some exercises you can do without equipment for the various parts of the body.  Another was a visual demonstration of good and bad foods that equalled 60 calories (an apple, a potato, a yam, 2 of 6 Lance wheat and cheese crackers, 1/4 of a 2 oz bag of UTZ potato chips, 6 M&Ms out of a reg small (1.3 oz) bag, 2 bags of lettuce). Last week I did a visual of a 4oz prepackaged serving of apple sauce, 7.5 oz of canned ravioli, and an 16 oz can of ravioli sitting beside each other. I followed that witha demonstration of a 7.5 oz zip top can of beenie weenies on a dinner size styrofoam plate.  Then another can of the same size on a roll/dessert size plate.  I asked which looked more filling and identified the psychology of relearning how to eat with the post-op healing process and the need to know what the basics are when we longer term post-ops need to get back to basics. Portion control, food selection, and eating slow.  I compared a set of measuring cups to the different size cans of food and the opened beanie weenies and talked about the value of measuring our food to relearn how much food we are scooping up with that serving spoon later-on.  For my closing act, I served 3oz cups and had each person fill the first cup 1/3 full (about 1 oz), and one 2/3 full (about 2 oz).  I had them put the 1 oz serving in there mouth all at one time and hold it, swi**** around without swallowing.  See how it felt.  That is part of wjaht we are suppose to be learning those first two weeks after surgery.  Now swallow in two separate swallows.  Now the 2 oz all at once but don't swallow.  How much of a mouth full is that?  If they swallowed that all at once, it was going to hurt post-ops.  Now swallow 2, 3, or 4 swallows.  he same was true for food.  You can put a fork full in your mouth but now rather than wolfing it down as pre-op, you can chew it, taste it, swi**** around and swallow slowly and in small amount even thoug ther is more than should be swallowed all at once in your mouth. Quality versus quantity.  Enjoying the food more without having to bust your gut getting full in order to qualify saying, "man,... that was good!" We use the first 15-30 minutes of our 90 minute meetings for lesson, then the last 60 minutes or so to have open discussion every meeting, 2nd and 4th Mondays/twice a month.  I try to keep it interesting and entertaining as well as informational and useful.  I find the group seems to really look forward to coming and reporting on their progress, their successes and sharing advice with one another.  My most imporatnat role is being there, being encouraging, and making sure everyone get time to tells us about them.   I am sure you have a great support group meeting with your personality and charm.  Joe

Joe, Your group sounds like an “Experience.” Hands-on, experiential learning is the most effective. Facts and figures in a “Blah, blah, blah…” lecture go in one ear and out the other. Memorable events and images stay with folks. Thanks for the ideas! I’ll report back… Best Wishes- Dx