What are you looking for in a support group?

[angelface811 100]

I may soon begin facilitating a small group for bariatric patients. I am looking for suggestions and input as to what you are looking for in a small group. I have run and been a part of support groups in the past. One of the biggest problems is having 10 people in the group and getting through only 2 in terms of getting a turn to share what's on your mind. To resolve this I am proposing utilizing a 5 minute timer and going through the entire group. Then opening things up for discussion. I know it may seem callous but everyone should have a chance to share. That time to share can make a world of difference to a person. What is your opinion? Have any suggestions?

Thanks for the input!

[James Marusek 5,244]

When I first attended a bariatric surgery support group meeting, I almost decided to not have the surgery. Almost everyone in the group recited horror story after horror story. Then I reasoned that the main reason for this is that either the people attending the support group meeting are pre surgery or they are the individuals that are experiencing severe post surgery problems. The individuals that are free of any complications just do not feel a need to attend support group meetings.

That is not the case now. The whole flavor of our support group is different. But the tone of the meetings is very important.

I think it is important to first identify the general goals of the meeting:

Provide advice to those who are about to undergo the process.

Help those that have undergone surgery and experienced complications to resolve their problems.

Share information

Discuss individual success stories both in terms of weight loss and NSVs.

I like to bring in something for show and tell at each meeting. People get excited about show and tell.

Sharing a before and after picture is a good visual for the success of the surgery.

Edited March 25, 2015 by James Marusek

[angelface811 100]

Thank you James your input means the world to me...I hope more people reply so I can just do the best job possible

[Julie norton 2,850]

I like your moderator rules. I chose to stop attending our local group. 35 of us and we couldn't get thru introductions and the 1 and 1/2 hour group was over.

The moderator would say we are gonna separate into pre and post surgery groups... Sigh... Never got there.

Time management is critical in my opinion...

Good luck on your group!

[Crosby 303]

I take it this is not a counseling group? I ran therapy groups for years so it is difficult for me to answer without referencing group therapy techniques. But you could do written exercises as a way to limit those lengthy speakers. You would ask each individual to share. You also could ask for one or two word answers....asking for the most powerful word they can think of. You could have feeling words or thoughts on laminated paper and do all different techniques/ exercises to illicit input on different subjects from different people. You definitely need to redirect individuals who sway from the topic...include this as part of your guidelines. Most certainly set up other guidelines...although I think 5 minutes is a long time. If you have a regular long winder then I would remind them of the guidelines if they ignore them.

Frankly these type of individuals usually don't respond well to this type of intervention and will see themselves as being slighted and treated unfairly. They may even threaten to not return or complain about you...just stick to your guidelines.When in therapy this would become an issue to work on but that is not likely appropriate in a group you are speaking of.