Need Clarksville or Nashville support grp for gastric banders

Hi - I'm post-op with my Realize Band and need to find a support group that fits my needs better than the one I've been attending.  The one I go to only meets once a month and always covers the same topics.  Pretty much just testimonials from people and trying to sell the procedures to pre-op patients who attend.  Not much discussion or structure.

Would like to find a group with more structured setting and more focused on post-op patients.  I live in Clarksville but will drive to Nashville for a great group meeting. If you have any suggestions - please let me know! 

Thank you so much!
Rachel
 

Hello!
I am a bypass patient, but the center that I went to at Baptist (Baptist metabolic Surgery Center) has two groups a month, one for bypass, DS, VSG etc, and the 2nd one is for Lap Band.

I've only attended the Bypass group, but different topics are presented each month, we also have a "support group" type meeting afterwords.

If you checked I believe that all the local hospitals in Nashville have a group of some sort, and others from the board will be able to chime in on when and where or give you more information.

The ones at Baptist are as follows:
Bypass, etc - 1st tuesday of the month.
Lap band - 2nd thursday of the month.

Of course you are welcome at either group.

If you come tomorrow to the bypass group, we are having a "Protein Party"

I hope that this helps!

Michael.

thanks Michael!  I've looked online and it's good to have positive feedback from someone who goes to the meetings. 
Rachel

Centennial has a Gastric Band group which  meets the First Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is tomorrow evening at 5:30. The group meets at the Center. For more information check out www.cmcwls.com. This is an amazing group in which some wonderful post op people attend.

I have also attended the Baptist group and it is truly a wonderful experience with many real and positive perspectives.

Hope this helps.

Hi Paul - Centennial is the first place I found when I looked online and they seem to have lots and lots of meetings, etc.  I might check them out!  Thanks for the input!
Rachel

I was going to recommend Centenniel also, that's where I had my surgery even though it's RNY. I haven't been able to go to the support group meetings because I'm not able to drive right now due to a seizure disorder. There is also a support group on post at Ft. Campbell. I've been to the one you've been to and I agree and they don't have the same set of rules that my surgeon does. Good luck.

I didn't know they had one at Ft Campbell - that might be an option.  Thanks for the tip!  Hope you are able to get out soon - that must be really frustrating not being able to drive!  Take care

I go to the one on Ft. Campbell and I love it, when I feel like I am doing something wrong or the only one having a certain problem it helps to see other people that are in the same boat. The bariatric nurse that runs the meetings is absolutly wonderful! She always starts out asking if anyone has any questions and you can ask anything at all. Then there is usually a guest speaker, never anyone selling anyting, but success stories, talks about excercise etc. Then she usually has more Q&A. Its a great atmosphere and it is really helpful! If you need more info just send me a message or reply on here and I can let you know when and where it is Hope that helps!

Jessica

I had my surgery at Vanderbilt, but I am closer to Ft Campbell, at what times are the meetings and what days?.....I have been trying to find people closer to me that have had the band. I am glad I have found a few.   I have not been to a support group meeting cause of the distance to 100 Oaks, but I would love to attend! Please feel free to respond back  here or add me to your friend list.

We also have a group at Vanderbilt that meets at the clinic at 100 Oaks the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5pm.  It's a small group, a mix of pre and post ops, but lately the shift has been to having more posts.  We seem to be getting more people each month and it's great fun.

It is definitely not a sales-pitch type group!    We mostly talk about what we've been through and challenges we face.  

You're more than welcome to come try us out!  PM me if you want more details!