I'm So Disgusted with Myself

Hi Louise, our story is similar. I have gained about 39 lbs back after surgery. I never lost to my goal either. I have been trying to get back in with the resources offered by my surgeon, but I have new insurance and they don't want to approve me to see the surgeon again. His office says I have to see him again before I can get in to the support and nutrition groups. I guess I am just going to have to pay out of pocket when I get the money. Until then I have to stay on this board with all of you great helpers. Thanks again to all!

Kathy,

Where do you live?  I had my surgery in Arizona, but 100 miles from my home.  I attended an OH support group in my town.  I think you can check on here for the OH support groups in your area.  The practice I am going to their support groups allow the public and other doctors surgery patients to attend all/any of their groups.  I did check into another bariatric practice and got the same information, open to all.  That practice encouraged me to come in as a patient if I was interested in utilizing their nutritionist to the extent of my insurance coverage; otherwise all their classes were available to me.  If your doctors support is only open to their patients, I would want to know why that is and I would also look around to see what else is available.  I will say that the face to face, the online groups, the logging, and the accountability are all working together to give me progress.  I truly believe that no one thing is going to get me where I want to be and help me stay there, too.

My goal this month is to attend all the support groups of the practice...sounds like soooo many, right?  It is only one a week - LOL.  This practice does it different that what I have seen before so I am checking them all out.  The first week is a support group run by the surgeon - people ask questions of the surgeon and he gives feedback and encourages others to get to know each other to share their journey.  The second week is an emotional support group run by a therapist and we talk about feelings how we are doing.  The therapist is also available after the meeting to discuss area resources for additional help if wanted or needed.  The third week is a nutritional support group, which is not the same as the Nutrition 101 class - I am going today - others say people talk about how they are eating, share struggles  and ask questions.  The last one is a support group - next week, I am going to that ... I believe that it is WLS patients that come together to support each other.

The interesting thing is that the meetings are held a different night each week and one Saturday afternoon, so many people with different schedules can usually make one or more.  They also have the Mind Over Eating series.  It is amazing how much support they offer.

Sorry to go on for so long, but I was so grateful to get reconnected and finally make some real progress, but I wanted to let you know how it has been going for me.

Louise

Louise, thanks so much for sharing your story and support. You are doing great and thanks to your info I contacted my current ins group and they are getting me in to their bariatric classes. I don't think they have as many different resources as your group does, but I am going to check out some other practices around here and see what else I can find in the way of support groups. You mentioned finding a support a OH support group by looking on this site. If you don't mind me asking, how did you find one on this site?
By the way, I am sorry it took so long for me to respond back to you, but time has just gotten away from me the past couple of weeks. I do appreciate your reply immensely. Take care and keep up the good work.
Kathy

Yes, check out the other bariatric practices - many offer the support groups for free.  One practice I called said I could come in for a 2nd opinion and they would check with my insurance for coverage if I was interested in their "for a fee" nutritional or dietician program.  I am not sure what that was and did not yet check out their program.  The one I did get involved in is closer to my house and work.  I did look at the websites of a couple hospitals closer to me and might see what they have by way of support, too.

As far as support on OH, ths BOTT is a support group, but there is a way to check what is offered locally for Obesity Help facilitated support groups in your area as well as other groups.  I do not have time right now but I will look later and send you info how to do it...I want to say you look in groups maybe, and then go local....not sure...it has been some time since I have looked.  But I will look and get back to you.

How are you doing?

Louise