Theraputic support group planning for NY metro area.

[Guest guest]

I had my RNY in Nov 2001 and also have a Masters in Social Work. I

am committed to doing research on the psychological aspects of

gastric bypass, a little talked about topic. As we know the surgery

provides a powerful tool for initiating weight loss, but does not

minimize many psychological issues that arise for us. I would like

to focus on practical as well as emotional forces that impact

recovery.

I plan to start a support group in Northern NJ - probably in the

Ramsey/Paramus area. I will also do some individual counseling

later. Is there anyone online that might be interested in

participating in such a group? If there are enough I may also

consider traveling to Westchester, Connecticut or other NY metro

areas to run this. The number of people interested will determine

the start date of the group - I am thinking of a June/July start

date.

Are there others that would consider participating in a research

project which I will undertake at a later date? Participation in

this could be via email/phone rather than face to face.

What do you all think of this? Do you agree that we need to get some

research done in the field? My fear is that without it the success

rates of bariatric surgery will be affected and eventually over the

long-term bariatric surgery will seem to diminish in it's

effectiveness for the morbidly obese. If insurance companies don't

see the long term recovery/compliance then they will stop paying for

it. I also think that there are some who are unable to recover in

the long term and they may disappear from these types of online

support groups. There are also some who may be able to maintain

their weight loss, but have a compromised quality of life due to

emotional issues that arise or problems with other substances.

Please reply or email me privately at valerie@....

Thanks,

Val

[Guest guest]

I had my RNY in Nov 2001 and also have a Masters in Social Work. I

am committed to doing research on the psychological aspects of

gastric bypass, a little talked about topic. As we know the surgery

provides a powerful tool for initiating weight loss, but does not

minimize many psychological issues that arise for us. I would like

to focus on practical as well as emotional forces that impact

recovery.

I plan to start a support group in Northern NJ - probably in the

Ramsey/Paramus area. I will also do some individual counseling

later. Is there anyone online that might be interested in

participating in such a group? If there are enough I may also

consider traveling to Westchester, Connecticut or other NY metro

areas to run this. The number of people interested will determine

the start date of the group - I am thinking of a June/July start

date.

Are there others that would consider participating in a research

project which I will undertake at a later date? Participation in

this could be via email/phone rather than face to face.

What do you all think of this? Do you agree that we need to get some

research done in the field? My fear is that without it the success

rates of bariatric surgery will be affected and eventually over the

long-term bariatric surgery will seem to diminish in it's

effectiveness for the morbidly obese. If insurance companies don't

see the long term recovery/compliance then they will stop paying for

it. I also think that there are some who are unable to recover in

the long term and they may disappear from these types of online

support groups. There are also some who may be able to maintain

their weight loss, but have a compromised quality of life due to

emotional issues that arise or problems with other substances.

Please reply or email me privately at valerie@....

Thanks,

Val