Question:
Support groups:What is your opinion?
This question is directed to postops over 1 yr out. How important do you think it is to participate in a face to face support group as opposed to online, or even, one to one support from other post ops? With my weight loss, I am so busy now, I dont have the time anymore, to devote to all the support groups i involved myself in immediately post op. i know support is important, but i want to move on with my life now. Long termers, what do ya think? — PATSY N. (posted on February 6, 2003)
February 6, 2003
I am a short termer, just under 4 months. But, I heard from my doctors
office that statistically, post-ops do much better if they attend support
for at least 3 years. They tend to lose faster and keep the weight off
better. Good luck to you!
— Yolanda J.
February 6, 2003
Our hospital (Hosp of the Univ of Pa.) has two WLS support groups - one for
all WLS patients (both pre-op and post-op) and one for "graduate"
WLS post-ops of 7 mos or more. I just went to my first graduate meeting.
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Believe me, there are issues that we will face as longer-term post-ops like
having to deal with increased hunger or those issues that drove us to
overeat before the surgery. I sat and listened for the most part as some
of our longer-term post-ops talked and I realize that the road ahead is not
entirely without bumps. I plan on *making* time for at least the graduate
support group meeting and hopefully both of them...JR (open RNY 07/17 -151
pounds)
— John Rushton
February 6, 2003
Patsy, I am only 6 mos post-op, but, I will tell you I go to one @ Lenox
Hill in NYC, there are 50-100 people there on a given Thursday (once a
month)...The makeup is mixed! I think it depends on the group, ours' is
lead by the 3 surgeons, Roslin, Kurian and Leitman. We have had a
Nutrionist come, Psychotherapist, Personal Trainer and last month we even
had a discussion on what to do to change america's growing obesity epedemic
in kids. I think they are very important and see myself going to them once
a month far longer than I stay a member of this board! I have heard the
dtrs say that to be successfule at this surgery is (1) the support you get
and (2) your exercise level! I hope that is true! Good Luck to you!
— heathercross
February 6, 2003
I think if you are happy with your life and don't need the support, get on
with your life. I go intermittently, sometimes for my needs, sometimes to
give a message of hope to new folks, and sometimes just to catch up.
Sometimes I don't go at all, but I don't feel obligated. If you get to a
spot where you need support, you can always go back. Have fun in your busy
life!
— Cara F.
February 6, 2003
I'm 2 and 1/2 years out and still love going to support group meetings.
I'm a support group leader as well as a moderator of an on-line support
group and I still find it rewarding for myself as a patient to attend
meetings.
— Lynette B.
February 6, 2003
I'm 2 and 1/2 years out and still love going to support group meetings.
I'm a support group leader as well as a moderator of an on-line support
group and I still find it rewarding for myself as a patient to attend
meetings.
— Lynette B.
February 6, 2003
I'm a fairly new post-op, so I don't know how much my opinion will count on
this one, but I say please find time to go. All I see at my support group
meetings are people that are 6 months or less from surgery. I would love
to meet some of the successes that are one year post or more. If you don't
go for yourself, try to find time for the newbies.
— Toni C.
February 6, 2003
I think it's critical to long term success. We attend 4 per month. 1 is
somewhat lecture format, 1 is a combo lecture/support. 2 are mainly
support, more of a mentoring format. We learn from all styles.
— vitalady
February 6, 2003
Very important to me!!! I feel horrid if I have to miss!
— jen41766
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