VSG Maintenance Group
What's your experience been with support groups?
Hi guys.....
so, what is your experience been like with WLS support groups?
I'm not thrilled with mine at Kaiser.....they seem to really focus on RYN and the facilitator just can't believe we can loose 100+ with VSG.... and sometimes it feels like a "TOPS" meeting.....this one lady gets so pissed of when someone mentions chewing gum that she just grabs her stack of crap and leaves the meetings......kinda funny, yet kinda sad.
I used to go to OA many, many years ago....not sure how they would fill about WLS nowadays....?
OA has a special support group online for those who are Overeaters but also have had WLS. If you are interested please let me know and I'll try to get you the info. Probably still a lot of RNY people but might be a better situation than what you are in now.
I kind of make my own support group by connecting with other people from OH, getting their phone numbers and calling them a few times a week to connect with others in various stages of the VSG game.
The one on one conversations and connections with people that I really feel are on the same page with me helps, rather than going to an open/local support group with people that may not have anything in common with me.
I do go monthly to the support group for my doctor, and there are some great folks there, but I do find it very helpful to do the one on one phone calls.
Start weight: 388, Current Weight: 185, Goal Weight: 180, Weight Lost: 203 lbs
Certified Nutritionist ♥ VSG FAQ♥ sublimate: To elevate or uplift.
3/2012 Plastics: LBL, 3 Hernias Fixed, BL/BA, Rhinoplasty & Septum Fix. 6/2013 Plastics: Arm and thigh lift
I have been to two different ones, the one in san diego was mainly all vsg patients, with only one or two that had the rny or lap band.. as much as i enjoyed going, it was pretty much the same meeting week after week.. they basically went around the room and each person told their story.
I went to one here in NH where most people had lap band and then the rest were rny i was the only one with vsg, they disccussed all their complications most of which i have never been through.
I think though to be honest i didnt really go into the 2nd meeting with the right attitude because i knew before i went id be the only sleeve patient, they dont do sleeve here yet, the only ones with sleeve have had it done in boston or out of state, so i went into the meeting feeling i was a fish out of water and sat back and just listened.
I know longer really feel that way, as we are all wls patients, we have all been permantly altered internally so therefore we all have something in common, we can all get vitamin deficiencies and we are all fighting for the same goals to get our weight off and keep it off.
so maybe one day ill venture back and start going again and take my new attitude along LOL.
6lbs under goal weight
Join US On The VSG Maintenance Group Forum!!
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/VSGM/discussion/
I don't join associations, clubs or groups.....Wait.... as a kid I was a Cub Scout for a year.....
When I had my surgery with LapSF they told me about the meetings...... I'm like.... yah OK....whatever...
I don't think I went to my first one till about 8 months out.
I have a choice of going to San Francisco or San Jose meetings.
I now have been to several....... and I have to say that I enjoy them. A group of like minded folks on the same path with similar problems and goals.....
I think the most important thing for me is to have face time with my surgeon..... It keeps me connected to him and the process.
frisco
SW 338lbs. GW 175lbs. Goal in 11 months. CW 148lbs. WL 190lbs.
" To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art "
VSG Maintenance Group Forum
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/VSGM/discussion/
CAFE FRISCO at LapSF.com
Dr. Paul Cirangle
I have to say, I really enjoy them. The next meeting will be the first meeting that I will miss since last December. I was trying to plan my schedule around the support group meeting but just couldn't do it. Gotta pay my bills.
I have formed some really good relationships. Everyone is supportive of each other. We don't focus on the surgery just life after surgery. We had a clothing exchange last month.
The group is run by the Baratric coordinator for the surgeon. The Dr.s have never come to a meeting. Although the coordinator told me that Dr. Vohra (The lead Dr.) is coming to this meeting. The coordinator tries to keep neutral. We created a facebook page and she won't join as she wants to keep it patients supporting patients.
We created an Angel program where some of us visit patients a day or two after surgery to offer support. That program has really worked out well. It's not difficult for me as I live five blocks from the hospital.
I've also tried going to an independent group that wasn't affiliated with any surgeon. It was OK a bit far from my house. They just started up another chapter of that group that is closer to my house. I may give that a shot.
Highest Weight: 380 Consult Weight: 357 Surgery Weight: 309
Goal Weight: 220 (9/29/10) Revised Goal Range 215-220 Current Weight: 224
Plastics: Circumferential Lower Body Lift - 11/18/2011
Gynecomastia - 6/14/2012
once upon a time I had a group to talk about Binge Eating Disorder, and later one about Clean Eating.
PM me if you are interested in either of these.
size 8, life is great