My First WLS Support Group

My Bariatric Surgery Center has a Weight Loss Surgery Support Group called MONARCH.  It stands for something cleaver, but I can't remember what right now.  It meets once a month right at the Bariatric Center.  I am kinda anxious and nervous by nature so I didn't want to go alone.  Gander hurt his back and wasn't feeling well, so I felt bad dragging him along (even though he assured me he wouldn't mind).  My mom kindly offered to go with me instead. 

There were only about 12 people or so at the meeting.  It started with someone handing out the MONARCH Newsletter and some WLS-friendly holiday recipes.  Then a man got up and introduced himself as one of the leaders.  He had bypass in 2009 and has lost over 100 lbs.  He went around the room and had us all introduce ourselves and explain where we are in this process.  One lady next to me was 6 months out (bypass) and had lost 80 lb already.  She was positively GLOWING.  After brief intros, the guest speaker was introduced.

She was one of the Nutritionist at the Bariatric Center (the one that I have an appointment with in February....which will be my 2nd nutrition appointment, which could potentially be my LAST one if she approves me).  She gave a presentation on how not to gain weight during the holidays.  Honestly, it was kinda boring and stuff I already knew and read about in fitness magazines all the time: don't go starving, bring a healthy dish to pass, don't drink your calories, etc.  I didn't feel like it was really directed toward the weight loss patient. But it certainly applies.  That lasted about an hour.  And then my mom was ready to go.

I wanted to stay and listen to the "chit-chat" part even though it was kind of annoying.  A lot of the people there didn't really seem like they "got it"...some of them were actually approved for the surgery already, and were asking the oddest questions....things that they should DEFINITELY know already.  Like what's the post op diet?  What can you eat right after surgery?   One person there had her surgery last week and she was asking things like "can you ever eat in a restaurant again?"  I guess I'm being too judgmental.  But there were people there whose brain I would have loved to pick.  Like the lady next to me.  I did have the chance to ask the leader a few questions.  He seemed like a genuinely nice guy.  Volunteering his time to help people accomplish what he did. 

But anyways, I felt bad making my mom stay later, neither of us had eaten, it was getting late, and it was snowing bad.  So, we left.  I think next time I will go alone or take Gander (who is contractually obligated to hang out with me even if he is super bored....cuz we're married and stuff).  Long story short, I don't think it was all that great, but I fully intend on going next month.  I want to soak up any opportunity to learn anything and everything I can about this stuff!