Question:
Need advice from support group leaders!

I am starting a support group in Eastern Massachusetts and need advice from other support group leaders and participants. What types of things have you done at support group meetings? Do you follow an Overeater's Anonymous format? Host outside speakers? Share success stories? Are there any taboos or things people seem uncomfortable talking about? Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!    — Laura B. (posted on September 21, 2004)

September 21, 2004
have speakers like dietician, plastic surgeon, barb thompson the book writer, a very long term post op, like 10 or 20 years out, have parade of old too big clothes:) Hacve book at entrance each person writes down the pounds lost, totalled the number is read to the group.birthdays, with pounds lost, anniversaries, speakers on rNY, DS, Lap band, picnics, parties like christmas, protein tasting, shopping trips, clothing exchanges etc. TONS of fun stuff to do. Dinners are nice, newbies can see we posties do eat and enjoy food. pot lucks are nice people can share their favorite recipes!
   — bob-haller

September 21, 2004
Try to e-mail [email protected] she is a bractrica patient and a group leader. she is wonderful
   — Donna S.

September 22, 2004
well... it depends, i run a support group , i have about 45 members online, and in our face to face meetings, i get about 5 per month, between the two meetings the group hosts, if i had more i could get a doctor or dietician to come, but with such pitiful attendance in meetings, theres really no way i can afford to pay for a speaker to come ive tried to do different things to get more interest in face to face meetings, but its nearly impossible, i remember somewhat pink in the face , trying to get everyone motivated to post exercise/protien intakes, for the day , and i was told quite curtly by several members "this isnt a diet group" ive tried weekend chats as well, and 9 times out of 10 , no one shows up , i email reminders , and etc. and , seems like most get ignored ... i dunno, i am just kind of lettign it churn on its own, and working on my more active part of the group , which , thankfully is closer to me you can see how the support group works , online, by visiting heep://www.groups.msn.com/ozarkswls
   — bethlaf

September 26, 2004
I help run a support group. First, I would work with the local surgeon that performs bypass surgery. Dr. Batty (IL) makes his patients come to support meetings before he will perform the surgery. They need to know the good and the bad about post-op life. I would also contact the local hospitals and announce you are starting a support group. Couple things you can do: See if you can find another person to help run the group just in case you can't make a session. Hold it once a month (first tuesday of the month for example). Create a phone number support list and/or e-mail support list. So the have someone to talk to after the meetings when you don't meet. You have to be strong about what you believe about this surgery and tell it like it is. They do need to know that this surgery is a diet tool and if you abuse this tool you will fail. Do sugar coat those topics that need to be discussed (gas, tossing your cookies,et. Family memebers that don't support you, etc) Things you can do: - have a clothing exchanges - bring in products they can try (protein drinks, soups, etc.) Have a pot-luck meeting! - If you are going to have a special guest come in make that announcement ahead of time. - Ask one of your support group memebers to share their story (good and bad). - A good topic is the emotional eating that we need to overcome. If you can get someone from the hospital to talk (for free) that would be great! Behaviors we need to change. - Just going around the room and let everyone ask how they are doing. - What meds can we take for colds, etc after surgery is a good topic. I have a list if you like. - There is so much different information out there of what you should and should have or do (good topic). - Taking pictures of each person in your group as they progress. - Opening it up to the group to see what they would like. - Special Event: Going out to eat or show (getting all dressed up) is a fun thing to do. Life after surgery. - How to eat after surgery? - Exercising (very important) Do a Richard Simmons Tape at a meeting! Let everyone know to bring their gym shoes, etc ahead of time. - How to set goals? - Setting goals (short term, long term goals) - Stop the negitive talk in our heads! Important: You need to make this meeting a zone where people will not be critical of each other. People should be able to express themselves without feeling attacked. You will step in if this is happening. Create a poster with these guidelines on them (good visual). I think a support group is very helpful. It keeps you in line as well as helping others. Even if only one or two people come you are paying it forward what someone may have done for you. I have said that as long as I'm breathing I will help anyone who is thinking about or has had the surgery and needs some help. I have talked a few people out of having this surgery because they were not committed to the life changes that need to take place. Because Insurances companys are cracking down on this type of surgery I want people to have this surgery who are really committed to making life changing behaviors. I wish you the best of luck. This is a good thing you are going. Please keep in touch! Good Luck and let me know how it goes!
   — Linda R.