do you all attend support groups

[Dell]

in my area its part of the pre surgery process to attend a group and I've been going to my local one for a year. its a great support mechanism and there are mentors we can call or text as well add an email group, anytime we need something.

I've been reading lots of posts and sometimes think if this support was so good everywhere we wouldn't feel half as abandoned as some seem to x x

 

[phatmomma]

Too right. I'm lucky that some of the lovely peeps of here have set up a support group which meets once a month. We have a good laugh, swap stories about our providers incompetence, celebrate goals and achievements

I have no idea where i'd be without the Walsall Massive xx

For those of you who aren't so blessed you could do what i did pre op and still do now... Find someone in your area and meet at the local cafe/supermarket cafe for a coffee and a chat...

I'm doing this today with someone i've spoken to for a while who can't make the support group, am so looking forward to finally meeting up xx

 

[ditzeeblonde]

I'd love to be part of a support group but the one that the hospital gave me is nearly 2 hours away. x

 

[bubblyangie]

I didn't know about the support group until a few months after surgery, but I found an amazing website, they were a real rock to me, even though I was the foreigner so to speak, as they were mainly from the states.... Anyway since going to the support group, which at the time I found to be very NEGATIVE, i pushed through and a new one was formed at the hospital and it wasn't long before I was asked to head it up, and now I head up that one and the "No longer negative one" but I must say the the people that come regular to the groups on the whole do so much better.... so I think it really is a must to either meet as a group or with other friends who have been there done that, we need each other............. So come on folks get connected.... Sorry for going on I get so passionate about it LOL

 

[dottychic]

I go to the Salford support group and its great, met loads of people there pre and post op and it really helps. Met the lovely Bev too and Kerry and Salski, Poppet, Karl, Allie and Gail. Hope I didnt forget anyone X

 

[dawny]

i would love to go to my local support group, which is the salford one, at salford royal. but i cant get there, im housebound, and the only way i can get there is if my daughter takes me,but she has a little 2 yr old boy, and he goes to bed at between 6-7, so she cant leave him then. but i find the support i get off here is great, and helps me an awful lot, so i count my blessings that ive got all the support i need from here. big hugs to everyone xx

 

[zns]

Ive only been to the hospital one once on my first appointment, its just too far away and the local bospa one is nearly as far.

 

[Bev]

Hi Dell,

I go to the Salford group on the first Wednesday of each month (God willing)...

It's great to be amongst folk who have understanding and experience of how we are feeling and the effects of surgery...

Plus I GET MY HUGS!

Last month I met everyone that Jacqui mentioned below... alongside Pearline and it was wonderful.

I hope to always attend.... it's one heck of a distance for me, but I feel it's so worth it to be amongst friends.... I was lucky to meet up with Kerry (Joanne 222) prior to the meeting and we had a great chat and time.....

I hope to meet so many other people on this forum... I'm hoping Kelly will call on me when she visits family in my area....

Dotty and her chicks, Karen and everyone that I have grown to love so much on here....

This forum is a lifeline, in some ways, more 'intimate' and thought provoking that going to the meetings... but the meeting give a wonderful opportunity for face to face chat and humungous hugs...

Don't ever feel lonely... there's a lot of love on here and I'm always happy to help anyone if I am able...

Love always and gentle hugs xxx

 

[ladylite]

There are no support groups near me, and I dont think there is anyone on here in Berkshire, so I am afraid I am a loner.

Must say I do turn to you lot for advice and reassurance and your are all great.

 

[Bev]

That's a shame Mary... but never say never... if you ever holiday near Snowdonia, I'm here... and if you are every 'up north'... it would be such a pleasure to arrange to meet you....

Love and cyber hugs xxx

 

[lisa x]

I think this site is amazing and helpful on a lot of levels.
I am not sure if the Luton and Dunstable do monthly meetings.
I am not sure if I would attend many if I am to be honest.
I am quite a shy private person really....
(there's also the logistics of work baby sitters and getting there with my other half)
But I may change my mind later...I guess it depends on the people that surround you at the time(going by past experiences of weight watcher and lighter life etc)

 

[thinnerangela]

It was compulsory to attend at least one support group meeting pre-op - they were a bit of a shambles to be honest.

The PCT now has taken on a bariatric specialist nurse and dietician - and they run the support group - its still compulsory pre-op.

I go now when I can because I think it's important that people can ask questions of us post-oppers - no-one knows what WLS is like unless they've been there and got the T-shirt.

I'm very shy - and it takes a lot of courage to go - but although forums like this are invaluable not everyone has easy access to t'internet - so face to face contact is needed

xxx