Question:
What has been a favorite post op support group topic of yours?

I am looking for some good nitty gritty topics for a post op support group and wondering if any of you have happened upon great topics that have really evoked some good discussions. I am trying to find stuff that really gets people talking and honest about some of the issues that may not be so pretty or stuff that will get people pumped up.    — Carol S. (posted on October 26, 2003)

October 26, 2003
The emotional aspect of eating has always an issue for me. Perhaps you could ask a local 'shrink' to come and do a short presentation on it then open for discussion. A less thought provoking session - but fun: Our local support group had someone bring in different vitalady samples and we got to try her favorite protein shakes. It was fun. Protien ideas always are helpful. Even if you know them a reminder is always good.
   — Emily H.

October 26, 2003
We had our post-ops tell us what they were able to do now that they were not able to do before surgery and our pre-ops told us what they were looking forward to doing. It turned into a very emotional meeting and helped tremendously. Some opened up to humiliating and painful things that have happened in the past. All morbidly obese persons have at least one story to tell. Releasing is a good thing.
   — Sue A.

October 26, 2003
We have had a doctor come in and speak on motivation and staying on track of the weight loss. And also different topics of nutrition given by the Center's nutritionist staff. We had a talk on understanding the food labels that the manufacturers are required to put on foods and this last nutrition talk was on the various sources of protein, from animal/fish proteins to whey and soy proteins. We also have a clothing expert come in and give us tips on creating a wardrope out of a few items of clothing. Once or twice a year the psych doctors will come in and give a talk on a topic that centers around stress or utilizing support. We have an exercsise specialist come and give tips on exercising properly. We also have one of the medical staff (nurses) speak or hold a Q & A on FAQ's that the pre or post op patient may have. Hope this helps.
   — ChristineB

October 26, 2003
Who pays for all of these speakers and assorted professionals to come in to speak to you guys? They don't do this for free do they? Some of you seem to belong to very well orgainzed, deluxe support groups. Do you pay a fee to keep them this way? I would love to have these kind of knowledgeable ppl come to speak to our little group. How does one approach a medical professional to come and speak? Wls is not big business here in Canada and someone volunteers in each town or city to create an informal support group no matter what kind of wls or who the surgeon is. It is basically info exchange between postops and preops. I would like to have more like many American support groups have. Any advice for me?
   — mary ann T.

October 27, 2003
Prior poster before MaryAnne - my support group is part of my program at the The Wish Center. The professionals that speak are employees of The Wish Center. I was just giving the person that posted the question ideas for discussions at her support group. Hope my information was of a help to you or anyone else.
   — ChristineB

October 27, 2003
oooh, I love the clothing speaker. So many who were MO have no idea how to dress, what looks good on them when they lose weight, and the choices are overwhelming. Even something simple like colors, horizontal vs vertical stripes, dressing your age etc.. A clothing professional is a great idea. Some of the larger dept stores may volunteer a dresser to come speak if they think it would result in $ spent at their stores. Another good topic, plastic surgery. Alot of local plastic surgeons will come and speak,. even present a slide show as it will drum up business for them. Our support group kept him busy with tons of questions! Eating disorders is another good one, or just healthier eating with the nutritionist.
   — Cindy R.