Is it really necessary to join a support group? How many members have found it to be helpful and stay with their group for long periods of time.

Welcome,

This site is the best support group you will ever be able to find, with so many people who are very willing to offer their time, experience and research with others.

I do not have a support group near me, but I would assume that it would have been helpful in the beginning with information as to where to shop and local product information.

Ditto on the above. You *can* join a local support group if you wish, but most of us do not belng to one.

When I was first diagnosed, I don't know what I would have done without this group. Everyone has been so helpful and caring.

Now, 3 years later, I still rely heavily on the people here for support.

I am not a member of a support group. I haven't needed one because I'm perfectly happy with my diagnosis, doing just fine finding food (mostly shopping in a normal grocery, plus I live in a city with lots of options), and have done plenty of successful experimentation with baking gluten-free on my own. I don't feel isolated or "different" than everyone else because of my diagnosis. However, many people do not have the same experience as me. If you want help with local restaurants or food stores, feel you need a little extra in-person support because you're not getting it from friends and family, or have kids and think it would be helpful for them to meet other celiac kids, a support group could be very valuable. It's a very individual decision.