Support Groups

As much as they may want to, family and friends may not always understand what you are going through. If you feel you need more support, look beyond your immediate support team and find a group that addresses your specific condition.

Support groups offer encouragement, understanding and emotional support from others who are facing similar challenges you are. They may be your lifeline between your medical team and your friends and family.

Sometimes, you'll be able to attend "in-person" support groups in your area. If not, the internet is full of resources and on-line chats groups filled with people with the same questions as you. Often, many of the topics you are wondering have already been covered and you can learn from other people's first-hand experiences. Below is a list of web sites that can help you connect with other people like you:

Hysterectomy Support Discussion
www.hystersisters.com

BreastCancer.org Discussion Groups
community.breastcancer.org

Bariatric Surgery
www.obesityhelp.com

Health Central
www.healthcentral.com/obesity

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

WEBMD Message Board and Blogs
http://www.webmd.com/community/boards