Your opinion on support groups

[tutornmom 1]

Hi, I need some advice. I live too far from the nearest lapband support group (at least that I have found). I am looking at some options but I wondered what you had found that works. I have considered the mentoring/buddies here. Also, there are some sites on-line where you pay a monthly fee for coaching and support. I have even considered like weight watchers or something that does have local support.

I would love to hear what works for you. I feel like I need someone to "hold me accountable" but that can't be just anyone because I will rebel if I feel like I am being judged.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

[MistyD65 1]

For me, the support group isn't so much for being accountable as it is for having someone to share experiences with who REALLY knows what I'm talking about. My doctor's office holds a monthly support group where, led by a coach/counselor, we chat about our achievements, disappointments, things that work, things that don't, what we are struggling with, etc. We have people with Lap Band, By-Pass and Sleeve. There is no weigh-in at these meetings. Between these meetings and here on LBT, I feel I have a good network of support.

Weight Watchers could be good for you, especially if you are looking for the accountability of a weekly weigh-in, but I'd want to know their approach to WLS patients. I'm not speaking of the WW program itself, but of the leaders and members of the one you choose to attend. And certainly, check out the mentors/buddies here. Good luck with finding what works for YOU! :thumbup:

[tutornmom 1]

Thanks! I wish I could go to the group at my doctor's office but it is 2 hours away and I really can't afford to do that every month.

I want accountability but more so I want people who know what I am talking about when I say something sticks.

Edited March 13, 2009 by tutornmom

[lellow 1,713]

I actually found quite a lot of support here online. Not just in the August threads but out there in the general threads too. If I needed some motivation, there usually was someone happy to remind me of the band rules, and how much exercise gets easier the more you do it etc etc.

I think looking for a buddy here might be a good idea if you're too far from anything else. And there's nothing to stop you from joining WW too on top of that.

The Friday weigh ins have been very motivational for me too - I hate posting that I've not lost, or lost only a little. I was absolutely miserable the one week I posted a gain. Knowing I have that Friday weigh in to be accountable for meant I worked hard to lose each week every week.

I also set myself realistic small goals: I only every expect to lose approx 1-2lbs a week, and I rewarded myself each time I lost 10lbs, with 4 pieces of new clothing. And each time I lost 10lbs, I went down a size in my clothes, just about. THAT was incredibly motivational.

So I do think you can find motivation even if you can't physcially get to a support group. Good luck, matey. I know it's not easy to get into the frame of mind, but it can be done.

[krtork 0]

I have found great support here. Everybody knows what I am going through and has some sort of input to help me through. I also attend the once a month support that my dr offers. No weigh in, but great advise talking to others that are going through the same thing.

I agree with Lellow, posting to the Friday weigh in is motivation for me to keep the scale moving down. I hate when I get stuck or gain, that is the competitive side of me! I don't want to post when the scale goes up or stays the same, but I do, I know it keeps me honest.

I know of some people on LBT that do WW. You might search this site and see what others say and if it has worked for them. If you could find a supportive group that understands you have a band that might be the way to go. That personal check in with another person can be highly motivating.

[MONEL 0]

I live about 45 minutes from my Dr. so sometimes it was hard to get to support. You will find more and more people in your area that has had the surgery maybe y'all could car pool. There were enough of us that have had the surgery in my area that our Dr. helped us get a support group started in our town. It has been great! We meet once a month at the local gym. We let anyone come that wants to lose weight or live healthier. We have about 15 - 20 show up every month. I facilitate the meetings and we have a lot of fun.