Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

local support group woes (a rant)



Recommended Posts

I went to my first support group Monday and I was sorely disappointed. It was run like a weight watchers meeting (minus the weigh-in, thank goodness). Newbies had to sit through a half hour orientation. I research a lot, so I actually knew most of what was in the orientation. Not interactive at all, just lecture--ugh. Then the same very nice but kind of naive ladies ran the meeting. We talked about food almost the whole time. Lots of testimonials about yummy Protein shakes, etc.There was a good learning piece with questions and answers and break-out groups, but that was about food too. (It was good because at least it was interactive.)

Lots of what I consider pseudo-scientific nutrition advice. Again, I research a lot, so when someone tells me that my Protein Drink will denature after I open it, I want to say, "so what?" Cooking denatures Protein too, but we all eat cooked eggs and meat and we absorb those OK. I didn't want to sound like a know-it-all (my tendancy anyway), so I kept my mouth shut, but I didn't hear a lot to help me.

I think I need OA instead of this group. I need to share my experience with others, but not to talk about food. All the food talk is triggering to me and this isn't a diet. This is about me learning how to use food to quell hunger instead of trying to use it to tamp down my feelings.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to hear that you have not found the right group for you. Are there other groups you could try? Possible resources is looking at bariatric practices in your area - many times they allow patients of other surgeons attend those sessions.

My WLS Suport Group does have a portion of each night focused on food - the leader (or designe) brings samples of items for us to try. There is no selling at the meeting, just suggestions for getting in Protein or healthy convenience foods. We also have a portion where we focus on a success of the month along with our struggle(s). We end each meeting by committing to a goal for the coming month - we say this out loud to help us feel support in that committment. Of course, it's mostly women so there is a lot of other chit chat, but I find that comforting.

We all need to find what works for us - just don't give up. I bet the right group is out there. If not, just come out here and share away. (This is my daily group!)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

By looking at your city, I think we went to the same support group. I went once and I got an 'angel visit' at the hospital. I was happy about that. I always mean to go again, but I have gotten so much good interaction on this web sight, that I don't feel it necessary. I DO like the idea of the clothing exchange. But I haven't participated in that yet either.

When I went (night before my surgery) for the first and only time, they focused on the people that hadn't been approved yet. I'm not there anymore...I need answers for what I experience NOW. If they gave you a CD...do make a copy of it. It has some good information in it, but make sure your printer has LOTS of paper in it. LOL

I have been thinking of finding an OA meeting also. Maybe we will meet up there. I live on the east side (Rita Ranch)

Good luck, and enjoy your new life with the sleeve.:laugh0:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went the support group in my city several months ago, as it was a requirement from my surgeon. It was a nice little meeting, but they all had the bypass, I was the only one that is going to have the sleeve, it has been a few months since I last went so, I'm going to try again and see if maybe there are any sleevers in there yet. I like talking with the girls, there was only 5 of us there at that meeting, and we just went around and told about our self, if they were post op they explained how they were doing how much they lost etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I called my local friends/acquaintances who had the surgery (a mother and daughter team, one had the sleeve and the other the bypass). I told them about the meeting. They suggested I try again, that every meeting is different. I decided to quit being so snarky, lower my expectations and get what I can out of it.

The same group had a clothing swap last weekend. I went and got some nice size L blouses. They fit!

Still will try OA though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to my support group again tonight and still no sleevers. I was so disappointed, but the meeting went actually okay. Maybe next month. lol Thank goodness I have all of you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is the main reason I've avoided our support group. I hated, hated, hated WW meetings. I hope you find a group that can give you the support you need, and that can help you grow through your sleeve journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×