Question:
What are support group meetings suppose to be like?

I went to my first support group meeting last week. I am post-op along with a friend who joined me and two other friends who are pre-op. The lady who heads up the meetins announced that she is tired of talking about the surgery and is quitting. Luckily the Lady taking over was the nicest one there that night. What can I do to help these meetings without being "pushy"? All we did that night was talk amongst ourselves and ate, meeting is at a very nice Restaurant.    — Angela S. (posted on February 16, 2002)

February 16, 2002
Well, I have no idea about this because I am pre-op, however I would imagine for obvious reasons I wouldnt want to be in a meeting that is being had around food. Isnt this what we are escaping. Some people are recovering emotionally from cumpulsive overeating. I certainly would look for a new place to meet and possible have meetings focus on other fun things to do make the meetings part of a fun activity. just my 2 cents
   — Lynhira

February 16, 2002
I agree with the previous poster, I don't think a restaurant is the appropriate place for a support group meeting. I think occassional social outings are great, but for the most part, I would want a meeting that involves inspirational and informative speakers and group sharing. I'd also like to see the surgeon be a regular participant. The group of patients from my doctor get together at a restaurant and while its fun and we do share our stories, I don't feel its what I need to be as successful as possible as a WLS postop.
   — [Anonymous]

February 16, 2002
I am pre op also but have been to a couple of support meetings. Basically what takes place is that we go around the group and everyone gives an update on their progress, whether pre op or post op, and if anyone has any questions they ask them to the group when it is their turn. We meet in a room that is resevred at the Community Works Center, I agree, meeting in a restaurant doesn't sound like a good idea. Not only because it is around food, but because it is not very private when you will be speaking a large group.
   — [Anonymous]

February 16, 2002
We do several meetins per month. Some are in homes, some are in public rental rooms or libraries and some people are able to get a room in their church for free. We never meet in a food centered place, either. Here, we offer water, since everyone has different docs, different regimens & is at a different stage of progress. EVERYONE can use water. Every now & them someone will bring a special sugar free treat they made, but we leave it in another room, so as not to bother those who are early or still restricted. We go around the room and each person gives their stats, as desired & we try to limit this portion to 1 minute per person (or less). Name, date & type of surgery, doc, and pounds lost. Perhaps a "feature"--what comorbs did you lose? Or what's the best aprt SO FAR? But again, fast. Then by the time we get around, we can see where we need to go from there.
   — vitalady

February 16, 2002
The support group meeting in my area is AWFUL. I went a couple of times and stopped going. This site is my best support, and the best part is, I get to control what I want to know about.
   — Danielle M.