CT Support Group visit report

EbonyRose · 09-03-2008, 09:35 AM

Good morning Fab Forties,

I went to a support group meeting here in New Haven last night - they only do them once a month, so as part of my research / investigation process I decided to go. The group is run by Yale University's Bariatric Surgery practice (Dr. Bell, Dr. Duffy, Dr. Roberts).

First impression - warm, supportive and happy folk. All present were bypass patients though - not exactly in the same frame of mind as myself.

There was a nutritionist, and Dr. Bell came to the meeting as well. As with all group meetings, certain people talked more than others, some were like me - just in the information gathering process - and there were veterans (over 6 months post-op) and newbies (less than 3 months post-op).

Not really structured - after the introductions, discussion centered around food challenges, and when that topic slowed down, the meeting just kind of dissolved into seperate conversations.

Not a bad experience, but I'm not sure it was what I was expecting. More structure, perhaps...

I did meet another lady who works in my office building, on the same floor, who is at about the same place in the process as I am. Even if we don't do the same operation (she's leaning toward the bypass) we'll have each other for support.

Heard lots of inspirational stories, but also some challenges - the changes in people's ability to eat certain foods, rapid weight loss followed by loose skin, changes in taste buds (some complained they couldn't taste anything anymore) and other stories made me even more determined to stick with the band as my choice.

I probably won't go again - I'll be looking for a LAP-BAND® support group either in New Haven, where my surgery will be done, or in my home community.

sil · 09-04-2008, 12:33 PM

hello i,m suppose to have my sugery done at yale newhaven, my doctor referred me to dr. bell office. i hope i don,t have to go to one.

EbonyRose · 09-08-2008, 12:20 PM

Hi Sil,

Even if you do - don't let SOME people's negatives deter you from the process. After listening to all of what they had to say, I did come away with some positives:

1. Follow your Doctor's advice - to the letter! Ask if you have questions
2. Don't try to eat what you ate before the surgery - look at it as a way to change your eating habits for GOOD
3. Plan some fun things to do while you are transitioning - some of the folks in the group set intermediate goals at 25 lbs lost, 50 lbs, etc.
4. Stay focused on WHY you are doing this - for me, it's my health first, my appearance second.

Good luck with your process - stay in touch!

EbonyRose · 10-02-2008, 03:26 PM

Good afternoon All,

The wise folks at Yale Bariatric Surgery decided to start a support group just for LAP-BAND® patients

The first meeting was last night, and they will continue on a monthly basis.

The session "leader" was a lady I refer to as "Patient Zero" - she was the first LAP-BAND® patient ever done at Yale 2 years ago! She's dropped quite a bit of weight and she was very forthcoming and helpful. There was also another friendly woman there who is her on LBT - though I've spaced out and can't remember her name right now. She was banded in June (I think) and was extremely helpful as well.

I was the only other patient (want to be patient) there, but the Nutritionist and Dr. Roberts was there as well. They will definately be back next month, and I hope more people show up!

I'm moving right along in my process - 3 hour info session next week, then hopefully I'll get an appointment for pre-op stuff and get banded. I'm hoping before the end of October...but I've realized I can't rush the process. I have to just let it play out - understanding that I have had a relatively short timeframe from start to finish so far.

JennBand08 · 11-07-2008, 06:44 PM

Hi.. I was banded in Norwalk by Fairfield county Bariatrics, Dr. Neil Floch. They are a great group. I haven't checked out the support group through Norwalk Hospital yet, but have gone to the one run by Greenwich Hospital a few times. They meet once a month too. It was about 50/50 with LAP-BAND® vs Bypass patients. I found it very informative, and they seemed to focus alot on food. But I gained good tips. Nice to see other posters from CT. :)