Negativity in Surgery Support Group Meetings

[James Marusek 5,244]

I have attended about a half a dozen bariatric surgery support group meetings prior to surgery and about a dozen after surgery. When I first started going to these, it threw me for a loop. It was one horror story after another. I was almost at the point of rethinking the operation. But then I realized that those that attended these meeting presented a distorted view of the surgery. Most regulars had problems and some were significant ones. Most individuals who had surgery and didn't experience problems by and large did not attend these meetings. If everything was going well, why go to the meetings! I turned some of this negativity around by adding solutions when I brought up problems and by informing new members that the discussions were somewhat distorted. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

[Chelly 364]

I just from the monthly Bariatric meetings I go to and it was very supportive.

I've never have heard anyone being really negative about any of the surgeries they've had.

I look forward to going every month and sometimes I go to a second one.

So no problem here.

[esskay77 785]

Where do you find these support groups? My hospital has 2 a month--are there others elsewhere? They always have their meetings when I can't go and I really want to attend a support group for a bit.

S

[James Marusek 5,244]

Where do you find these support groups? My hospital has 2 a month--are there others elsewhere? They always have their meetings when I can't go and I really want to attend a support group for a bit.

S

In my state Indiana, there are probably two dozen support group meetings per month. These are scattered throughout the state. The meetings have different dates. If you miss one, you can attend another at a different location. Its a function of distance and driving time.

I don't know exactly how to locate other support group meetings but you might:

* Perform a computer search for bariatric surgery support group and the name of your state.

* Contact other hospitals in your area that perform bariatric surgery.

* Generate a new topic on this website and request help in locating a support group in your area.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I've attended a couple of support groups over the phone -- they are facilitated and have provided me with a realistic view of the surgery and lifestyle after.

https://www.bsciresourcecenter.com/proddetail.php?prod=TELESUP

Ginger

[missbrown30 148]

I am 10 weeks post sleeve surgery. I love the support meetings I attend. I am actually going to one this evening. There are people in the group who report on the complications they may have had but for the most part the meetings are really supportive.

[Writerjennifer 107]

I have attended about a half a dozen bariatric surgery support group meetings prior to surgery and about a dozen after surgery. When I first started going to these, it threw me for a loop. It was one horror story after another. I was almost at the point of rethinking the operation. But then I realized that those that attended these meeting presented a distorted view of the surgery. Most regulars had problems and some were significant ones. Most individuals who had surgery and didn't experience problems by and large did not attend these meetings. If everything was going well, why go to the meetings! I turned some of this negativity around by adding solutions when I brought up problems and by informing new members that the discussions were somewhat distorted. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

This is the exact opposite of the support group here in Reno. I went a couple times and both times the host gave a little speech about wls (different each time), then she led a quick intro and q&a session. This is the group that my surgeon says we have to attend at least once prior to surgery. There is another group for post-ops only and I have not gone there yet... but... you are right, i think. Negativity attracts negativity. If the host doesn't guide the group to present the positive side, or the positive actions one can take in these bad situations, then they are obviously scaring off all the people like yourselves. I do not think, however, that post-ops without these problems don't need a support group. I think we need it more. People with negative experiences are focused on that and will be very hard to pull to the light side. But those of us with good experiences need to commune with others and share the struggles of weight loss and rebound, and will power and share victories as well. We need a receptive group that will embrace us and to whom we can provide our support as well.

I guess we have that here at BP, don't we?

[Baconville 578]

I am in St Paul MN and the support groups that I attend have been great. My clinic sponsors two, one for those pre surgery to four months post surgery, and one for those beyond 4 months post surgery. Those of us that are further out are encouraged to keep going to the pre op meetings, to support those starting the process. My clinic's studies have found that those that continue to attend have better results long term. I don't always make every meeting but I really make an effort to get there at least once a month. I think it is very important to keep me motivated.