Everyone needs a "cheerleader" for this new lifestyle. This surgery is a major journey, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. It's a wonderful benefit if your spouse, close family member or friend can be with you for your initial consults before surgery as well as for follow-up.
Attending support group meetings is an invaluable source of support, ideas, clothes swaps, recipes, sharing of struggles and victories. We ask you to attend support groups as often as you can before and after surgery. It is recommended that you attend groups for a full year after your surgery. Your cheerleader is more than welcome at these.
A support groups are available in both Waukegan and Lindenhurst (see schedule below). Support groups are an integral part of aftercare for individuals who undergo the procedure. Support groups also provide a way for those considering surgery to gain information, learn about the required lifestyle changes and form a support network. For information on support group meetings, call 847-360-2439 .
Upcoming support group meeting dates are:
|
Time
6:00 p.m. |
Date
Thursday |
Location
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
|
|
|
| 6 p.m. |
February 18, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Venon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
March 4, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
March 18, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
April 1, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
April 15, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
April 29, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
May 13, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
| 6 p.m. |
May 27, 2010 |
Vista Imaging Center, Vernon Hills (847.984.6554) |
|
|
|
|
Time
7:00 p.m. |
Date
Wednesday |
Locations
Vista Surgery Center |
|
7 p.m. |
February 10, 2010 |
Vista Surgery Center, Lindenhurst |
|
7 p.m. |
March 10, 2010 |
Vista Surgery Center, Lindenhurst |
|
7 p.m. |
April 14, 2010 |
Vista Surgery Center, Lindenhurst |
|
7 p.m. |
May 12, 2010 |
Vista Surgery Center, Lindenhurst |
|
Time
7:00 p.m. |
Date
Wednesday |
Locations
Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan |
|
7 p.m. |
February 17, 2010 |
Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan |
|
7 p.m. |
March 17, 2010 |
Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan |
|
7 p.m. |
April 21, 2010 |
Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan |
|
7 p.m. |
May 19, 2010 |
Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan |
An additional, more personal source of encouragement is to begin a personal journal. You can use journaling for several things. Initially your dietitian will ask you to keep track of everything you eat. This makes you more conscious of what you are eating and drinking. Record your exercise as well. This will show you how much you have improved. Write how you feel about your surgery, your challenges and how you overcome them. You will have to find outlets other than food to cope with your emotions. A journal is an excellent way to start doing this.