First Support Group

Today was the support group. I’m so glad I went, I almost didn’t go because I was nervous. There were about 40 people there. 30 post-op, 5 pre-op, and 5 supporters. Online it said that 9:30-10:30am was an informational session for pre-op  and then 10:30-12pm was the support group. I got there at about 9:40am and watched the rest of the informational session presentation then the group started early at about 10. For the first hour we went around the room and introduced ourselves, where we are at in the journey, if post-op, how it’s going and then why we had the surgery we did. There were people who had bypass, Roux-EN-Y, and the sleeve. It took a long time because we took time to clap at least twice per person. I wish there were fewer people there so people could have their questions answered. It looked like I was the youngest one there besides two daughters who were there for support for their moms. Pretty much everyone had the surgery with the same doctors as I did, so that was interesting. Everyone was from everywhere. After the year long introductions, a psychologist from the area came to speak and answer questions. He asked a couple questions to get an idea about what he is going to talk about. I raised my hand to ask him to talk about deciphering between head hunger and actual hunger. He talked a lot about body image issues and about self love. Then he also talked about boundaries. How to set boundaries with family and friends. I don’t have a lot of people that know about my surgery so I was very interested to see what he was going to say about that but he didn’t really talk too much about it. We ran out of time. He did give some good advice about how to tell family why you aren’t taking leftovers, or eating dessert. He said to tell them that you are really watching what you’re eating. You are in charge of what you put in your mouth. I think I might start seeing him on a one on one basis. I've been thinking about seeing a therapist for a while and I think now is a good time to start going.

One person in the group brought her protein shake and she was able to find a new flavor, Caramel! She got it at Walmart so after the meeting I went to Walmart and got the caramel and the new bananas and cream. If I like It I’m getting more!

Overall, I’d definitely go back to another meeting next month.

After I got home, my husband and I took the dog out for a long walk. It was really refreshing to be able to walk as a family. He comes home very late so we don’t get to do that often. By the time he gets home, I’m already in my pajamas and tired. And lets face it, when the bra comes off after work, it’s not going back on until the next morning. AMIRITE?!