Local Support Group

I went to the local support group on Monday night for the first time.  I was less than impressed.  They sat around talking in small clicks and virtually ignored new people for the first 45 minutes.  Then, a lady who I suppose is the leader came in, and pretty much read a list of the phases of the post op diet and asked if there were questions.  Then the older post ops spent the rest of the time talking about how much they can eat now and how they don't exercise.  I won't be going back.  I was very disappointed because I wanted something local.  But, if you guys will have me, I will do my best to make the trip to Nashville as often as possible.  I am going to check out a group in Knoxville as well.  You guys are the best.  This is what a REAL support group is like! Marilyn

Girl... You just come right on over to Nashville and we will make sure you have a place to fit in...  hey we will even throw in a protein latte.  Well, I dont know.  I might have to think about giving up some of my stash! lol Just kidding.  We would love to have you!

I hate to hear that. I haven't been to one yet. Well I did go to a couple about 3 yrs. ago when I first started out on this journey and they seemed nice. But I haven't been to one since I've been post-op, since it has been a week. I need to find out if I want to go to Clarksville's Gateway one or the Cenntennial one that meets in Clarksville. We all need support. Good luck in finding a good support group.

Marilyn, That is exactly why I started a support group in my area.  There was a so-called support group and I went to two meetings (about 4 months apart) and both times they were having a Pampered Chef party.  Now why would someone who can eat 6 oz a meal need expensive pots and pans.  lol I do enjoy my support group, I probably am not as structured as some, but I make sure everyone gets to share and ask questions. Hope maybe sometime you will find a better local support group. darlene

I hate to hear the local support group was not supportive. You know you are welcome here any time. We may need to see about hooking up a tele-conference so you can attend support group with us here. LOL Those older post-ops need to be slapped into reality. Evidently they haven't had much support and don't know how to live, or give back to, the post-op life. Maybe you can start a real support group when you feel comfortable with it. I'm sure there are others who feel cheated by this joke of a support group too.

Thanx everyone.  I think I will try to start one when I am a little further along.  I imagine there are more like me out there.  I have already met 2 people from my new job that have had the surgery. Marilyn

Marilyn,
I live in Knoxville and would love for you and your support person to come to our support group. We meet the 3rd Thursday night each month in Fountain City. It is just off of I 640 exit at Broadway. We meet from 7 to 8:30 or a little longer if we stand around and talk.
I have been attending this support group for several months now and we have a really good time and lots of support.
Please let me know if you are interested and I will be glad to give you more directions and my phone number to call me so we can hook up at the support group.
We just met last night so we will not meet again till next month.
Hope to hear from you soon!