how does 1 start a support group?

there are 15-20 WLS grads here where I work. The ones I've spoken with think a support group here would be good. We have a day that would work OK. But I don't feel qualified to be a leader. I'm not educated enouph. I'm more of a follower than a leader. Any suggestions? Brenda

Wow you are so lucky to be surrounded by that many grads!  An idea for you could be for you to start an informal support group with a specific meeting time and place.  Perhaps have some loose topics for discussion at each meeting.  The group will develop its own leaders probebly.  Another way to do it is the week before, a group leader be chosen or volunteer to lead the next meeting,  It would be their job to come up with the topic and try to get guest speakers or bring information to the group,  just giving people a time to share and listen would be a great benifit.  The biggest thing I see in making this ongoing would be consistancy.  If the meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on Wednesday,  then that day and time stays consistant.  If their are 2 people or 20 people, the support group happens.  Topics could be WLS specific or just life in general.  We as WLS grads have to deal with life too!  Nutrition, excercize, meditation, supplementation, plastic surgery, self care, risk of developing other addictions, setting goals, dealing with stress, how to support significant others, perhaps a support group for significant other could help, art therapy, group outings (like a hike or a river float trip)) the topics are endless.  I use to facilate Parent support groups in another life and these are some of the things that we did.  Guest speakers would be happy for the opportunity to find new clients.  Plastic surgeons would come give information because they know that $ could come there way,  also fitness trainersor clubs like Curves, ect, Mary Kay or avon, Stamp parties, photo album making and such.  If I can help in any way, just ask me.  I envy that you have such a large group of post ops.  I live in Montana and I work with one post op who is so secretive about her surgery that she even cringes when I talk about mine,  She hates that I am so open and she is so private,  I guess that nobody is supposed to notice the 100+ weight loss or the rebound weight gain.  I don't try and offer info to her anymore because it is unwanted, I just hate seeing her every day do things that are distuctive to wls, but I have to let that go.  I love that I have this forum to get information.  If I can help,  just ask.  Good luck 

Great idea!!! When I was thinking about starting one, I got some great advice from those that had been there before. I know Michelle (VitaLady) started her own several years ago and can give you lots of guidance. Good Luck and let us know how it goes for you!!!!!!!

Good idea to start an informal group, just gather some topics of interest.  Let everyone introduce themselves first and begin talking about their success' and disapointments.  Share tips. Recipes etc...  I started one at my former place of employment, which was BCBS of MA, lucky for us, some RN's and Nut's jumped on board after a while... Good luck MaryLyn

I don't think you have to be well educated to do this. You've already come up with the smartest idea to start a support group. You certainly don't have to lead every meeting but as the one who initiated the group, just come up with a topic and tell everyone prior to the meeting what you think should be discussed and let everyone bring their thoughts on that topic to the table.  For the first meeting, assuming you are all grads, I suggest talking about staying motivated to maintain healthy eating habits, exercise, or any problems people are having at their stage of the journey.  You've already done the hard part, arranging the group. Stick with it and have fun, everyone will appreciate the fact that you started this group.