Local support groups - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

John · 10-26-2009, 06:32 PM

Do you have access to professionally run (e.g. run by a doctor) WLS support groups in your town?

mistymee · 10-26-2009, 06:39 PM

I wish!

Before I moved to east overshoe VT, I had access but it was an hour drive into Boston, if there was no traffic and well... there's always traffic at that time of day (it started at 6pm!)

Then there was the fact that I was sooo not going to drive into Boston by myself after dark. So it was not an option for me really.

The hospital in a town not too far from me has a support group listed on their website but it is not currently running and they don't have any plans to add it, since it is not a surgery that is performed there. The closest hospital to me that performs that surgery is over 2 hours away.

Along with the support offered by a WL Doctor and their support staff, I miss out on the camaraderie and friendship which really bums me out

Highlandlass · 10-26-2009, 06:54 PM

My nut is trying to organize a group but I haven't heard anything further. This is the only support group for me!

Corrine · 10-26-2009, 07:05 PM

It's a 100+ mile round trip for me to get down to my hospital's support group.

They're evening meetings and as I live in the foothills of Mt.Rainier, what with the weather etc., it just isn't feasible for me to attend.

Josephine · 10-27-2009, 12:33 AM

An hour by bus/train to get to my support group.

oregoncora · 10-27-2009, 01:28 AM

My Center of Excellence has them. I haven't attended though. I will certainly do so though once I have the surgery.

Kymel · 10-27-2009, 07:31 AM

I too had my surgery through a Center of Excellence, and they provide one - but I'm 2.5 hours away and their meetings are during the week at 8pm. There's no way for me to feasibly make it when I have to get up at 4am for work.

There's a few of us in the local area that have been discussing putting one together as a satelite group with help or guidance from the bariatric office, but so far it hasn't gone anywhere.

GTR-Mark · 10-27-2009, 08:06 AM

Yes, but I went once in 7 months.

BrandnewMe · 10-27-2009, 08:09 AM

I do have one but I have not made it to a meeting yet. I would like to go though, just need to find out the day and time again. Luckily, my doc's group has one at a hospital closer to me and I won't have to drive to the Center of Excellence hospital to go. They said I could go to any of their support groups they offer!

TooManyExcuses · 10-27-2009, 11:29 AM

I am fortunate enough to live 15 minutes from the Hospital doing my RNY. and they have an evening support group. Generally the entire team is present for socializing and askign questions. I have met all sorts of people. I really has become the highlight of my month. I love it there!

Additionally, the hospital has a web forum that I am a member of and I am amazed at how word can travel fast from it. For instance, last week I have my final visit with the surgeon and while I was in the room, in my gown, waiting for him, I pulled out my cell phone and took some photos of my fat self posing in my gown. I posted these on the forum, and the next morning my surgeon and the director of the bariatric program had commented on them!

Local support trumps all other support (except maybe friends and family)