First time to support group-waste of time/anxious..

I haven't been to a support group, but I really wish I had.  I could have used a little more support.  I pretty much use this forum as my support group.  You really just have to commit yourself to going to ONE meeting, or you'll never know.  Stick it out for the entire meeting and give it a chance.  If it sucks, don't go back.  One meeting is worth the time investment.

I only went to a few meetings after I had surgery, my surgeon warned not to do as they did because most were regainers trying to relose weight.  I never bothered to go.  I got my support at OH and created a plan to help myself based on my eating and life style.

My surgeon/hospital has 2 support groups a month. One is for everybody, pre and post-op and the other is only for post-op patients. They are long because everyone enjoys talking. there are at least 50-75 people there. The Dietician usually does a little presentation then we split into groups based on type of surgery. They go around and everyone shares their status, what they are struggling with etc. There really aren't any regainers there and quite a few long time patients who have lost all their weight. I think it helps them to stay focused by sharing and giving back to others. There is another independent support group I have gone to called LIPO - Long Island Post Operatives. I think they do have groups in other states as well. That group is mostly longer-timers and they keep it very positive. They run a lot of group events, walking clubs, doing 5k's together, trips etc. I haven't done any of those, but they are a very fun group.

Good Luck!

Mine is like selhard's.   If you attend, there maybe some people there who are pre-op or fresh out of surgery that you could help by talking about your experiences.  :-)