This month's in-person support group meeting was held at the "Golden Corral" in Raleigh today. We had a nice turn-out with about 30 members. It was cold this morning, but will be a beautiful, clear day.

The 'Thought for the Month' was Behavior Modification and Mindful Eating. We talked about how this journey is about identifying behaviors that can impede our success and finding ways to manage those behaviors. We also talked out how not eating mindfully can be a slippery slope. Many have found that using a logging tool such as www.mydailyplate.com, www.sparkpeople.com, or www.fitday.com go a long way toward helping us become aware and accountable.

When we introduced ourselves as went around the room, many shared some of the behaviors that they have noticed that could compromise or sabotage our long term success. It was good for us to share the struggles we are having because it helped to know that we are not alone and to work through finding ways to make some positive changes in our behaviors.

We had a clothing swap which allowed some of us to gain some much needed room in our closets, while allowing others to shop through some of the goodies that were donated by friends that no longer needed them. It was a win/win situtation.

We will be maintaining the monthly in person general support group meetings on the 3rd Saturday morning of each month, but because our group has grown to be so large, I have started a few special interest groups and we talked about them at this meeting. The Grads Group that addresses issues of interest to those who have had at least one surgiversary and Over50 BMI Group that addresses issues of interest to those who started their journey with BMIs over 50 are doing well and will be continued. At this time, we will be suspending the Banders Group due to lack of interest; we've had 3 meetings with attendance as follows (2 members, 2 members, 1 member) We have started a Beck Group that will use the Beck Diet Solution workbook as a basis for discussions. We are considering a Guys Group for the fellas, but I need to be sure that there will be enough interest to support this. These special interest groups are open to anyone who would like to join in, but the focus of the discussions is directed towards the specific special interest.

Last week we also had a special event. Dr. Karl Schwarz, a local plastic surgeon provided an informational seminar. It was attended by about a dozen members and was very well received.