8 Good Reasons to Attend a Lap Band Support Group

I am a big advocate of joining a Lap Band Support Group -- whether you are about to have Lap Band surgery, are making your way to your target weight after your surgery or are just exploring the possibility of the Lap Band being right for you. Going to a positive, encouraging support group is a great way to get the information and support you need for this life-transforming experience.

Support groups are going to vary depending on where you go. But I can tell you what we do here at True Results and have found to be really helpful for people who, like me, are Lap Band-ers.

For the first 20 to 30 minutes we have a presentation on a planned topic, something like personal accountability, exercise or portion control. This is followed by a Q/A session, then some general discussion when any topic is game. This is when people have an opportunity to share their successes, concerns, questions and tips to help others. The size of the groups varies by location and from month to month, but I’d say the average attendance is a comfortable 8 to 15 people.

Now, I realize you might be thinking I don’t want to talk in front of all those people. I know that sharing with people you don’t know can seem intimidating at first. But I really encourage you to give it a try. Being part of a support group can move you along the road to your weight loss goals more quickly and more smoothly.

If you’re still on the fence … here’s are a few reasons to consider attending a Lap Band support group.

#1 – Learn what the Lap Band is like, sales-pitch free.

There’s nothing like hearing it straight from someone who’s had the procedure and are living it. You’ll get the good, the bad and the ugly so you can make a clear, informed decision about if it’s right for you. Even if you’re really undecided, see if you can visit a support group in your area. If there’s a True Results group near you, you definitely can join in.

#2 – Settle your nerves about getting the surgery.

Nervous? There’s no one better to get sympathy and support from than people who have walked in your shoes. Lap Band veterans can help reduce the unkowns by telling you about their experiences and what helped them along the way.

#3 – Benefit from the experiences of others.

You know the saying “there’s no need to reinvent the wheel?”  Well, that goes for living with the Lap Band too. At a support group, you can learn from what others have already found to be successful or not so successful, putting you more quickly on the path to your weight loss goal.

#4 – Get encouragement when you need it.

Waiting to hear if your insurance company will pay for the surgery?  Having trouble with motivation?  Hit a plateau in your weight loss?  If you’ve hit a bump in the road, you can turn to your band buddies in a support group to give you encouragement that will help keep you focused and motivated.

#5 – Helping others will keep you motivated.

The feeling of helping someone else is a powerful thing. At a support group, when you share tips or provide emotional support to others, it’s really affirming. You’ll gain the confidence that you are doing well enough in your own weight loss journey to be able to help others. And that will motivate you to keep up the good work.

#6 – One word: accountability.

There’s nothing like knowing you’ll be sharing your progress with a group to help keep you on track. Friends and family can help with this, but a support network of people who really are living and breathing the same lifestyle changes you are is priceless. The positive encouragement you get from a support group can make a critical difference.

#7 – Make friends that you have a lot in common with.

It seems that people who band together stick together. A lot of support group participants become what I call band buddies, emailing, going out and generally supporting each other outside of the group. That said, if you prefer to keep your participation in the support group separate from the rest of your life, you can do that too.

#8 – Even months or years later, it’s a great refresher.

I was banded 8 years ago and serve as a support group leader, and I’m still learning and getting value out of my participation. Even if it’s been months or years since you attended a support group meeting, come on back!  You’ll get a refresher on all the lifestyle habits that help you permanently keep the weight off, and you can bring your experienced perspective to the group. Everyone will benefit!

I hope you’ll give participating in a Lap Band support group a try. See if there’s a True Results support group meeting in your area – you don’t have to be a True Results patient. If not, I invite you to join the Yahoo! Group “bandbuddies” that I host online. You may be able to find some other support groups or band buddies in your area.

- Melissa Jensen

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