My humble opinion.

[Albrightlcsw]

I have to say first that I love going to the support groups. I have found that they help to answer a lot of my questions and allow me to learn about the changes and challenges ahead of me.  When the idea was brought up that the 2nd Tuesday of the month would be for the general support group and the 4th Tuesday of the month will be the One Year and Beyond support group I wanted to panic.  Still be a newbie post surgically I have come to rely on the support groups.  They are fun, informative and extremely helpful.  I feel like I need the support of the meetings and would really hate to see a change occur.  I enjoy seeing people who are there for the first time who are questioning their decision or needing some encouragement to take the steps to jump over that hurdle to actually have the surgery.  I just feel like the schedule of the group works, we are getting people to the office and helping to support each other.  I know for me I don't have that type of interaction outside of the meetings because I don't really know anyone who is going through this process.  If I have a vote in this I vote we do not change the meeting schedule, that's just my hope and my opinion.

[Veee1226]

Hi Tammy,

I appreciate that you took the time to post your feelings on this topic.  And I, too, agree with you.  I wish that we didn't have to cancel the second general meeting either.  However, I understand and support Sophia's ideas on changing things to suit the needs of our group.  Most of us started around the same time and there are more people who are close to 1 year out or past one year out now then there are "newbies."  Also, except for you and a few others, there are not a lot of the newcomers who have committed to coming to the meetings.  Therefore, Sophia and Dr. Buchin need to keep in mind the needs of those who have the most committent to the group.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that these evening meetings take from Dr. Buchin and Sophia's personal time.  That is another reason I feel it is very important that everyone appreciate the time they are giving up and committing to and showing up when the meetings are being run.

I was the one who pushed for us to have 2 meetings a month because I love them so much and I found that I really needed the support I was getting.  I still do and it helps me greatly.  But, fear not, I am hoping to get another group together to meet in between the "General Meeting" and the "One Year Post-Op", a meeting geared toward bariatric patients who are single, and looking to manage dating life after bariatric surgery.  I will be volunteering my time to run these meetings in hopes that our group can branch out into the different areas of post bariatric life that is different from what we discuss in the general meetings.  I haven't figured out which day of the week it will be, but I should have an idea soon.

I hope you and some of the others that I have spoken too will join me for these meetings.  And, hell, even if it is just you and me sitting there, it will be worth it to me!

Feel free to keep posting, even though the boards may seem quiet.  People are reading our posts and we are having an impact.  And I am sure you know by now that you can always call on me whenever you are struggling or even if just to shoot the breeze.

I hope others follow my lead and respond to this post, as it is such an important subject.

Take care and keep up the GREAT work you are doing!

Veronica

[Sophia Mcleod, MSPAS, RPA-C]

I know I put my head on the block with a lot of the new post ops when I changed the meeting around and I am sorry. I do hope that you will understand when you get to that point when you will have other issues to address. Our group is a work in progress and I am constantly trying to find ways to make it better and more fruitful to those who attend (especially the regulars).
There is still available time on the 4th Thursday of the month that I am willing to work with if there are other interests that need accommodating.

Again I am sorry but in no time you will be in that other group also.
The general meeting is still open to those who are one year and beyond so they will still be around...