Support Groups: Online or Face-to-Face

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

Hey guys! I've noticed there's an increase in doctors in my area promoting online support groups vs. face-to-face groups.
So, I'm wondering how many people here use online support groups vs face-to-face support and how it works for you?

Thanks for sharing!

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I use both. My surgeon has a once a month group and I attend it. I also try to do one or more of the BSCI telegroups every month. I find both to be very helpful. I enjoy the in-person meeting a lot but it's often more of a lecture or informative meeting and we don't always have a lot of discussion amongst people who might need answers. I don't mean to say they aren't good and every now and then we'll have a session where the surgeon just pulls us all in a circle and asks people to bring up any questions or concerns or insights they have. The telegroups usually have only about 5-6 people on so there's plenty of room for questions.

You can find the BSCI groups at http://www.bsciresourcecenter.com/proddetail.php?prod=TELESUP (and they are free).

[Wynnie 186]

I think I will use both, as nothing keeps me compliant better than face to face, esp with my nut, that woman is a freaking mind reader, but it keeps me on the straight and narrow because I can't hide behind a keyboard and fool myself.

[lisacaron 5,075]

I use the online support groups and the face to face support groups. Not only from my Dr.'s office but I host them for Bariatric Pal as well.

The reason for me is that connection with others keeps me inspired as well as on track and motivated in my own life and on my own journey. It offers me the opportunity to learn, share and give back to the community as well.

When your "online" there is so much that's hidden you could be anyone doing anything really, and while that's great for those that need that anonymity I need it to be reality for me. There is a lot to be said for physical presence and face to face communication.

[mi75 1,239]

Hi Jen- just wanted to let you know i have enjoyed several of the 7 Bites episodes and make your little individual meatloaves all the time!

I prefer online support because i can come here on my own time and can be here for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whatever i prefer. the face-to-face that my program offers is a good group but they meet at a time that is not great for me. i get out of work an hour and a half earlier than the meeting starts, and it's a 20 minute drive home. so i can't go home and back-waste of time and gas- and little to do if I wait in town. i DO go occasionally and have had a good time at the meetings i go to, always great info and fellowship!

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

Hi Jen- just wanted to let you know i have enjoyed several of the 7 Bites episodes and make your little individual meatloaves all the time!

I prefer online support because i can come here on my own time and can be here for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whatever i prefer. the face-to-face that my program offers is a good group but they meet at a time that is not great for me. i get out of work an hour and a half earlier than the meeting starts, and it's a 20 minute drive home. so i can't go home and back-waste of time and gas- and little to do if I wait in town. i DO go occasionally and have had a good time at the meetings i go to, always great info and fellowship!

Aw, thanks mi75!!! That means a lot to me

Is the online support working out for you well?

[mi75 1,239]

yes, i have posted a LOT, as you can see from my numbers and i'm only about 5 wks out from surgery. i joined a few years back though when i started considering, but teetered back and forth with my decision, so most posts are from Jan 1 this year and forward...

the online community here has a wealth of information. it is SO helpful to get responses from a dozen or more post op people when you are still pre op and post a question. it's also super helpful to get diet advice and food ideas.

i have found many kindrid personalities here and 'regulars' that i know will be helpful to me, along with lots of newbies that i love to offer my experiences to as well. i'm a nurse by trade and even have medical based questions that i can't think my way through (i didn't even know how long my surgical glue would last!) but my training aside, i have gotten great advice here!