Debri85

Hello There,

I was wondering if anyone knows if there's information on starting a GBP Support Group anywhere....

No offense meant, you guys are great and I've passed on the link to everyone I know but here in Saudi, they don't "DO" that sort of thing so we don't have meetings to toss around info and ideas or discuss problems, we have a nutritionist and we see the doc and we can call them anytime but we don't have "meetings". Now there are at least five of us who've had the surgery or are scheduled, two are having it done tomorrow and I would like to try to start a group. I've searched the net but can't find anything about starting your own...

Anyway, if anyone has any info they can share it would be greatly appreciated...I just want something to start with and build on...

Well thanks, ya'll have a great day!
Deb

__________________
Deb
222/180/135
Starting/Current/Goal
LAP RNY-12-2-2007

rainrain

all I did was ask people who had gone through the surgery if they would like to stat meeting. We picked a couple dates and as the months past we settled on a time that worked best for most and 3 years later it is a thriving and wonderful peer support group. We meet at my home 2nd Tuesdays, I losely lead the discusion based on the needs of the others.

I have been aproached to open up another date so I am looking into meeting at a local coffee house and we will start a new meeting.

Thats all I know. We have had only 2 guest speakers during that time, plastic surgeon and psycologist. Usually the meetings take on their own life and plannned topics are rare...but that is just how we do it....good luck to you!

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Rain

12-27-04 Dr. Callery (Open RNY)
296 before pre-op
285/170/155 5'7"1/2
PRE-OP/CURRENT/GOAL???

Hernia Repair/ Abdominalplasty/ Partial Body Lift 3-13-06
Contouring lower back 5-30-08


A.K.A. HAMPTON5555

"Where you are matters more, if you remember where you've been."
" It's the journey, not the destination!!!"

http://www.myspace.com/afterthefat

MiladyB

I am a support group leader too. For me I went through training that was offered by a couple women who train bariatric practices in leading support groups. We meet once a month and I pick a topic. I spend a fair amount of time in prep by doing a lot of reading on-line, printing off articles that deal with that month's topics, etc. I also have asked my group for suggestions of topics. My group has been going since the Spring and we are having our first guest speaker next week. He is a physician that specializes in nutritional deficiences. He will be discussing the malabsorption in regards to the RNY.

I would suggest just putting out invitations to those in your area. It doesn't have to be majorly structured but for me I find it best to have some kind of topic to discuss. I also try to incorperate some fun activities. It's important to remember that the groups are for support, education and celebration.

Good luck. I'm sure you will do fine. The biggest thing is to be open to giving of yourself and the desire to help others on this journey.

__________________
Beth

Little Victories; Grand Rapids, MI
Bariatric Support Group


CherishedTeddyBear-(TT Bear Lover)

The Poetry of Milady
New Beginnings: My Journey to LIFE

359(BMI: 58.8)/148(BMI:24.3)
Highest/Current

Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol,
peripheral vein disease, joint pain and 211 lbs GONE!!


Century Club: July 3, 2006
ONE-derland: Dec. 22, 2006
Double Century: May 29, 2007
Goal: June 15, 2008

Lap RNY: 1/30/06-Dr Randal Baker
TT/BL: 09/21/07-Dr Ronald Ford
PS Revisions: 04/29/08-Dr Ronald Ford
Gallbadder removal: 06/09/08-Dr Randal Baker

John

If I get a chance this week I can ask my father's support leader for you, too.

John

pebitpeb

Deb, get the info from the others who have started the support group, however also consider posting yourself on a search engine, such as google or Yahoo once you have decided to have the support group. This will be where people are looking for information on support groups in their areas. Also talk to some Dr.'s you know who operate on gastric bypass and banding and see if they have ideas or know others who are seeking support. Good Luck, I am a member here on this site and live in Italy and there is also an Italian support group on the web and they meet frequently for various functions around Italy, however I have not gotten so involved other than posting on the Italian site, my Italian partner posts on our behalf on the Italian site. Again Deb, great idea and the best to you in getting a group started.
pebitpeb
Paul

__________________
Paul
Laproscopic Gastric Bypass May 18, 2007, 205kg/(451 lbs)(BMI 71)/post op abdominoplasty(12-14-07 & 01-14-08) post-op hip surgery(2-27-08)currently 4-25-08 85kg(187lbs)(BMI 27) GOAL REACHED 265 lbs gone .
Goal 85kg(187lbs)ACHIEVED GOAL WEIGHT APRIL 25, 2008(11 Months & 6 days after LAPROSCOPIC GASTRIC BYPASS)

Debri85

Hello,

Gosh, thanks everyone, you've been a big help...now I have some things to work with and build on.....I'm such a planner type ... I thought there MUST be a structure of some sort..how tightly wound of me...you should see what I do to have a simple dinner party...yikes!

Anyway, thanks again for all the imput...don't know what I'd do without ya!

Deb

__________________
Deb
222/180/135
Starting/Current/Goal
LAP RNY-12-2-2007