Question:
Support Groups in DC area OTHER than ones specific to a certain surgeon?

I need a support group in the DC area. My surgeon doesn't have any to recommend. The ones I have heard about are only for patients of the surgeon who sponsors them. I live 1.5 hours south of DC in Maryland, and am willing to go to DC or burbs for a group. Any ideas?    — Margaret M. (posted on May 5, 2000)

May 5, 2000
Hello. I live in northern VA close to DC. When you mention ones for specific surgeons, I am not sure which ones you mean, but I will talk about the support group I go to. It is true that MOST of the people who attend this particular one are patients of Dr. Roll or Dr. Anez, but there is NO requirement whatsoever that they have to be your doctors. In fact there are several in the group who have had other surgeons out of state. It is free, and no roll call is taken of any kind. We have 2 meetings a month to choose from. The first Monday of every month is at a church in Woodbridge, VA just off the Prince William Parkway (starting time is 7:00 pm). They usually have about 30'ish people or so. The other meeting is the 3rd Monday of the month at Fair Oaks Hospital just off of Rt. 66 and Fairfax County Parkway (also 7:00 pm starting time with about 70'ish people). If you (or anyone else) are interested, e-mail me and I will give you very specific driving/address instructions. I highly recommend this group. I have been to 3 meetings so far and I love it. You will find the support and info network you are looking for. Spouses and friends are also welcome and encouraged to attand. If you have concerns for any reason, let me know as well, and I will try to respond. Also, my surgery is May 10th (YEAH!), so let me know asap so I can respond quickly. I will be out of the loop for a bit pretty soon. Hope to hear from you! [email protected]
   — Paula G.

May 5, 2000
Hi, there is a support group that meets at Franklin Square Hospital. A lot of the patients are from Dr. Vanguri, however not all. It normally meets every month, but this month it is in WV, however it will meet again at 2 pm. at Franklin Square Hosp. on June 25. Hope this helps. Jill
   — Jill C.

May 5, 2000
Hi. I originally was going to have an RNY at Johns Hopkins, but have decided to have the BPD/DS done laparascopically at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Gagner in NYC. The Hopkins support group is sponsored by the Weight Management Center and they told me that I am welcome to come to the group regardless of where my surgery is performed. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
   — Kathleen B.

May 6, 2000

   — Michelle E.