my dr's office has a nutrionist have a support group meeting once a month. i went a couple of times before i had my surgery and just went again last night. the problem is it is 45 min. from where i live and after my commute from work and then to go there it is a very long night. i just called the hospital in the same town as where i live in and they have one once a week and it is open to the public. plus they have meetings on saturdays, so that is where i will be going now. i enjoy them very much.

I found our area support group geared more to the Gastric patients. So...I come to all of you for support. However, I think it is wonderful that you found a group in your area. It really does help keep us all focused!

Most of the Surgeons in the New York area make the support groups (2) as a pre-op necessity before they even see you for your first consultation. I am pre-op & I had to go to an all day seminar, watch the video explaining the lap-band procedure (pros & cons),get labs, ekg, egd, attend two support group sessions, see the psychiatrist & nutritionist, chest x-rays, done & complete before meeting the surgeon. I am glad that the strick rules applied, because this is to make sure the patients mind is made up & the education is what's important. Like yourself I enjoyed the support group meetings as well. They also offer an excerise support group that meets once per week. I haven't gone to that yet but plan on it..... Much success with your weight loss journey.

I think support groups are probably one of the real keys to being successful with this kind of effort for weight loss. Does anyone know if there are groups on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State?

I love, love, love my support group and I agree with you 100%!!