Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1.
Please be respectful of everyone's privacy during support group meetings with phones. That includes calls, taking pictures, videos ect. The main focus is to keep everyone comfortable. Please be mindful of that.
VOLUME 17 September 2016 NUMBER 9
Editorial Notice
Editorial Staff:
Melissa Grant
Bariatric Coordinator.
Items for the newsletter must be submitted by the 1
st of the month
for consideration for publication in the upcoming issue!
submit items to: [email protected]
If you no longer wish to
receive Bariatric Bulletin, contact:
Bariatric Bulletin,
This newsletter is published
monthly for Dr. Parham Mora 645 McQueen Smith Road.
Suite 205 Prattville, Alabama 36066
Gaining Weight to Qualify For Weight Loss Surgery by Kerri Seidler on January 27, 2011 Weight Loss Surgery
For some individuals, the path to qualifying for weight loss
surgery involves gaining weight. In any sense of rationality, this
approach seems counterproductive – why put on the pounds
when the ultimate goal is to take off excess weight?
Unless you have been in this situation, it may be difficult to
understand what it is like to be severely overweight and failed to
achieve long term weight loss. The hope of finding a lasting
weight loss solution often leads to actions which probably do not
make sense in any other case.
Rather than having patients resort to gaining weight to qualify for weight loss surgery, perhaps it is time to revise
the patient eligibility requirements. Such a change is one advocated by many doctors, due to the rising incidence of
obesity and the related health problems.
Currently, potential candidates for weight loss surgery must meet the following requirements:
Body mass index (BMI) must exceed 40
Or, BMI is between 35 and 40 with high-risk co-morbid conditions or obesity-induced physical problems interfering with lifestyle
In addition, patients seeking weight loss surgery for the treatment of severe obesity should have first tried non-
surgical methods (dietary regimen, appropriate exercise, behavioral modification and support), be well-informed
and motivated with acceptable operative risks, be evaluated and approved for surgery by a multidisciplinary team
with medical, surgical, psychiatric, and nutritional expertise, and understand the necessity of lifelong medical care
after surgical therapy.
These weight loss surgery guidelines were established in 1991 by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus
panel. The statement outlining patient criteria was prepared following two days of presentations by experts and
audience participants and represents standards that have been accepted for twenty years.
In the early 1990’s, when the weight loss surgery guidelines were set, the two primary procedures were Roux-en-Y
gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty. Since that time, gastric bypass surgery has remained a
recommended procedure while vertical banded gastroplasty has virtually been replaced by laparoscopic adjustable
gastric banding.
Not only has laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding become an approved procedure, but it continues to gain in
popularity because it is less invasive and safer than gastric bypass, does not cause nutritional deficiencies like
gastric bypass surgery, is reversible if medically necessary, and helps patients lose weight in a healthy manner.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been available in the United States for almost ten years. The LAP-
BAND System by Allergan was approved by the FDA in June 2001 and the REALIZE Band by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a
division of Johnson & Johnson, was approved by the FDA in September 2007. Both were used worldwide prior to
marketing in the United States.
Since the time the statement was initially prepared, not only has gastric banding emerged as an effective
alternative, but years of medical research has given us new information about the effects of weight loss surgery
and advancements have been made in surgical techniques.
In combination with the knowledge accumulated over the last two decades, the newer options of the LAP-BAND or
REALIZE Band, and the potentially serious health effects of obesity, it would seem that it is worth reevaluating the
current requirements for weight loss surgery.
At this time, the FDA is currently considering whether or not to lower the threshold for gastric banding to a BMI of
35, or a BMI of 30 with obesity co-morbidities. An FDA advisory panel recommended approving the new patient
criteria in early December 2010, and while the FDA often follows the panel’s advice, they are not obligated to do
so.
While we await this decision, it is important to state that weight loss surgery is not without risk or extreme lifestyle
changes. However, there is a risk with obesity too. Prospective patients should carefully consider the potential side
effects, complications, and lifelong follow-up care that is a part of weight loss surgery in addition to the potential
health and weight loss benefits.
http://www.wlshelp.com/news/gaining-weight-to-qualify-for-weight-loss-surgery/
Surprising Misperceptions About Weight Status and Obesity Health Risks by Kerri Seidler on January 9, 2013 Obesity & Weight Matters
Although the majority of the American public views obesity as a serious public
health issue, a surprising number tend to misperceive their own weight status and
do not fully understand all the health consequences of being obese, according to
results from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.
The results showed that nearly half of the overweight, but not obese, respondents
misperceived their own weight status and thought their weight was about right.
And while many of the respondents were aware of the link between obesity with
heart disease and diabetes, most were less likely to mention other serious health
impacts associated with being overweight or obese.
The survey involved questioning more than 1,000 adults to measure the general public’s opinion about obesity and
obesity-related health issues in the United States. The findings provide an interesting look into the public’s
perception of the causes and consequences of obesity and solutions for the obesity problem.
Significant Findings
Respondents were asked how much they weighed, how tall they were, and if they considered themselves to be
underweight, overweight, or about right. The researchers used the information to assess an individual’s perception
of their weight status and calculate BMI (Body Mass Index). The answers showed that many people are not fully
aware of their own physical health.
82% of obese respondents correctly classified themselves as overweight
Only 57% of overweight respondents correctly classified themselves as overweight
41% of overweight, but not obese, respondents thought their weight was about right
Respondents were asked about the serious health impacts of being overweight or obese. The answers showed
that the public is knowledgeable about some of the consequences of obesity but does not fully understand all the
health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
78% mentioned heart disease or heart attack
70% mentioned diabetes
21% mentioned high blood pressure
14% mentioned arthritis or joint problems
12% mentioned high cholesterol
11% mentioned depression and mental health issues
10% mentioned stroke
8% mentioned death
7% mentioned cancer
5% mentioned asthma and respiratory problems
1% mentioned kidney disease
The top three reasons respondents perceived as causing the increase in the rates of obesity were: Too much time
spent in front of the television, video game and computer screens (97%); Fast food is inexpensive and easy to find
(92%); People’s unwillingness to change (91%).
When asked about how much responsibility different groups share for solving the country’s obesity problem, 52%
said it’s something individuals should deal with on their own, 34% said it’s something whole communities need to
deal with, and 12% said it’s something to be shared by both individuals and communities.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted November 21 to December 14, 2012 by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for
Public Affairs Research at the University of Chicago. Researchers conducted telephone interviews with 1,011 adults
age 18 or older. The study had an overall margin of error of +/- 4.2 percent at the 95% confidence level.
Additional information and complete Topline Findings from the survey, “Obesity in the United States: Public
Perceptions,” can be found on the AP-NORC Center’s website at
www.apnorc.org.
Greater, Lasting Weight Loss with Bariatric Surgery by Kimberly Taylor on September 6, 2016 Bariatric Surgery Study
A study examining weight change in patients of the Veterans
Administration health system provides further evidence of the long-term
benefits of bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity.
Researchers examined 10-year weight loss results of veterans who
underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with nonsurgical matches and found
that bariatric surgery led to significantly greater weight loss and that most of the weight loss was sustained long-
term.
An additional examination of 4-year data compared the weight change differences between patients undergoing
RYGB, adjustable gastric banding (AGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG).
Study Results
For the study, differences in weight changes up to 10 years after surgery were estimated in retrospective groups of
1,787 veterans who underwent RYGB from January 1, 2000 through September 30, 2011 (81.9%, or 573 of 700
eligible, with 10-year follow-up), and 5,305 nonsurgical matches (67.4%, or 1274 of 1889 eligible, with 10-year
follow-up) using mixed-effects models.
The 1787 patients undergoing RYGB had a mean age of 52, mean BMI of 47.7, and were 73.1% male; the 5305
nonsurgical matches had a mean age of 52, mean BMI of 47.1, and 73.7% male.
At 10 years:
Patients undergoing RYGB lost 21% more of their baseline weight than nonsurgical matches
71.8% (405 of 564) of RYGB patients had more than 20% estimated weight loss, vs 10.8% (134 of 1247) of nonsurgical matches
39.7% (224 of 564) of RYGB patients had more than 30% estimated weight loss, vs 3.9% (48 of 1247) of nonsurgical matches
Only 3.4% (19 of 564) patients undergoing RYGB regained weight back to within an estimated 5% of their baseline weight
An additional part of the study examined the differences in weight change up to 4 years among veterans
undergoing RYGB (1785 patients), SG (379 patients), and AGB (246 patients).
At 4 years:
RYGB patients lost 27.5% of their baseline weight, AGB patients lost 10.6%, and SG patients lost 17.8%
Conclusions and Relevance
The study researchers stated:
“These results provide further evidence of the beneficial association between surgery and long-term weight loss.”
Two important aspects of this study are the long-term data and the high percentage of male patients. Many
studies have been conducted showing the weight loss benefits of bariatric surgery, however, most studies are
shorter-term, lasting only 1 to 3 years, and include primarily females. This study shows the benefits extend to both
men and women with long-lasting results.
If you are interested in pursuing bariatric surgery, visit a bariatric surgeon to learn more about the surgical options,
patient criteria, dietary recommendations, and realistic weight loss expectations.
Study Source: “Bariatric Surgery and Long-term Durability of Weight Loss,” JAMA Surgery, published online
August 31, 2016.
http://www.wlshelp.com/news/greater-lasting-weight-loss-with-bariatric-surgery/
Post-Op Diet Progression
Following weight loss surgery, you will not be able to eat much of anything. The post-op recovery diet will slowly
progress from clear liquids to full liquids, pureed food, soft foods, and then you will finally be able to start eating
solid foods. Do not add foods to your diet until your surgeon has given the okay. Specific diet plans will vary
depending on procedure, patient healing and tolerance, and surgeon guidelines.
Diet Phases:
Phase 1 (1-2 weeks) - Liquids
Phase 2 (3-6 weeks) - Soft foods
Phase 3 (7 weeks and beyond) - Solid foods
Clear Liquid Diet: At first, you will only drink clear liquids. Clear liquids are liquids that you can see through, such as
water, tea, diluted non-acidic fruit juices (apple, grape, cranberry), broth (beef, chicken, vegetable), protein fruit
drinks, sugar-free gelatins, and artificially sweetened non-carbonated drinks.
Full Liquid Diet: After the first phase you will progress to full liquids, which are fluids you cannot see through, such
as low-fat cream soups, protein shakes, skim milk, yogurt, sugar-free pudding, and sugar-free Jell-O.
Pureed Food Diet: Pureed foods are foods that do not contain any chunks and have been blended into the smooth
consistency of baby food. Chunks of food can get stuck in the stomach opening and cause pain and vomiting. To
puree foods, combine high-protein foods with broth, skim milk, or low-calorie sauces in a blender and puree until
smooth. Other options might include blenderized soup, cottage cheese, and cream of wheat.
Soft Food Diet: As you transition to soft foods, which are foods with texture but tender and easy to chew, you are
learning to chew your food thoroughly and to eat slowly. Aim for about 30 chews per bite so that the food turns to
mush and about 30 to 60 minutes for each meal. Soft foods might include ground or finely diced meats, canned or
soft fruit, cooked vegetables. Meals should always include high-protein food items such as lean meat, yogurt and
eggs.
Solid Food Diet: Once your body has healed, your bariatric surgeon will put you on a regular bariatric diet. Most
bariatric diets allow 1000 to 1200 calories per day with meals focused on lean sources of protein, whole grains,
fruits, and vegetables. All meals should be eaten slowly and food should be thoroughly chewed. Allow enough time
for meals and choose healthy foods. Eat the protein foods first as these are the most important. When you feel
full, stop eating, even if you haven't finished your meal.
Recovery Time following Weight Loss Surgery
The amount of time it takes to recover from weight loss surgery can vary between procedures and patients. Gastric
band patients will usually recover faster than gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or duodenal switch patients; patients
undergoing a laparoscopic procedure will typically heal faster than patients having open surgery.
The recovery time is about 2 weeks for gastric band surgery, 3 to 4 weeks for gastric sleeve, and 9 to 12 weeks for gastric bypass surgery.
No matter the procedure, it is important to progress gradually through the post-op diet so your body has time to
heal from surgery and you can adjust to the changes. If you don't follow the post-op diet progression plan provided
by your surgeon and/or dietician, you can disrupt the healing process, increase the risk of surgical site
complications, experience more pain, cause vomiting, or dislocate the band (gastric band patients). Take time to
heal and don't try to rush recovery.
Bariatric Surgery Shopping List
Before your surgery date, it will be helpful to prepare for your recovery and have food items and nutritional
supplements at home that you will be able to eat and drink when you first return home.
Some suggested bariatric surgery shopping list items for post-op recovery:
flavored waters (sugar-free and non-carbonated), tea (unsweetened or artificially sweetened; iced or hot; black, green, or herbal), sport drinks (low-sugar varieties), chicken broth/bouillon, beef broth/bouillon, skim milk, low-fat yogurt, sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free pudding, Almond milk, protein powder, chewable Tums, and chewable multivitamin/mineral supplement.
Although these are some of the commonly recommended items for post-op patients to consider, your bariatric surgeon and/or dietician will provide you with a personalized diet plan that will work best for you based on your health status and type of bariatric surgery.
http://www.wlshelp.com/recovery-weight-loss-surgery-diet.html
Seared Halibut & White Wine Sauce
Ingredients: 1 pound young green or wax beans
Four 7-ounce halibut fillets, each approximately 1 inch thick
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Non-stick cooking spray
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/4 cup Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
5 scallions (green onions) white part only, finely sliced on the bias
1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
1 large, ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup diced canned tomato, drained may be
substituted)
Directions:
In a pot of boiling salted water set over high heat, cook the green beans for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender. Drain and
place them in the center of a large, warm serving platter. Cover and keep warm.
Season the halibut on both sides with salt and pepper. Spray a 12-inch sauté pan with non-stick spray, add the oil
and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for about 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Turn, reduce the heat to
medium, and cook about 4 minutes longer, until the fish is opaque in the center and browned on both sides. Put the
fish on the platter with the beans and cover to keep warm.
Pour off any oil in the pan and add the wine and lemon juice. Raise the heat to high and deglaze the pan by scraping
up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sauce reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat
and stir in the butter, a piece at a time, to enrich and flavor the sauce. Add the scallions, capers, and tomato. Season
with salt and pepper, and pour over the fish on the platter. Serve immediately. http://www.livingafterwls.com/Recipes/Halibut%20and%20White%20Wine%20Sauce.html
Quote of the Day
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest inspirations. I
may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty,
believe in them and try to follow where they lead." – Louisa May Alcott
About Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott, the beloved American author, is best known for her semiautobiographical
novel, Little Women, which was made into a movie five different times. Born on November 29,
1832 near Philadelphia, she grew up in Massachusetts. Her family lived in the genteel poverty
depicted in her fiction. She wrote lurid stories anonymously to bring in money but gained fame
under her own name with young adult novels, which held readers with their warm
characterizations and simple, engaging style. She died on March 6, 1888.
Melissa's Corner Well here we are already at the end of September. If only if felt like the end outside. I am ready to leave the
windows open and smell the bon fires. I am thoroughly happy with football being back on T.V. The only problem is
now I definitely don't clean on the weekends. You would think, "Hey it's just the two of you, how messy can your
house be." Well the empty nesting only last for about a week. Our daughter and grandson have moved in. When
the grand boy is around NOTHING gets done, but play time. I do enjoy all the giggles that roar through the house
at night though. With that boy, there is never a dull moment. Just last Friday night he told us we had to go to
Chappy's before we went to Ollies because he was "hungry as a hostage". I nearly fell over laughing.
Ok you know I can't go without talking about some business. Those that are in the surgery work up phase, and
have to complete the monthly weigh ins, I need you to make sure your doctor fills out the form that is given to you
completely each month. They need to notate if you have gained (which I hope will not be the case) or if you have
lost any weight. They also need to notate what type of exercise/diet program you are doing. Just putting your
weight on the form is not accepted with the insurance company. If your doctor needs a new form please have
them call the office. I will be happy to fax one to them.
One last thing before I go. I have noticed our post op patient attendance has decreased at the monthly support
group meeting. I need to remind everyone that you signed a contract stating you would attend a minimum of six
monthly support group meetings a year after surgery. I know everyone's lives are busy with the things of life, but
these groups are specifically geared to help keep you on track with your weight loss success and find support from
people that are in the same pre or post op surgery stages as you. Please find that one hour a month to come join
us. Thanks!! Until next time......
Top 13 Exercises to Strengthen Your Back and Reduce Back Pain
To strengthen your back, try to perform some of the exercises listed below 2-3 times per day.
1. Cat stretch
This exercise is beneficial for the lower back.
Arch your back up towards the ceiling and relax
your neck while you deeply inhale. Hold for few
seconds and then exhale, drop your chest
towards the floor while maintaining firm
abdominals and slightly raise your head. Repeat
10 times.
2. Bend knee to chest
This exercise is for the low back and
stretches your hip muscles. Lie down on
the floor and pull your knee towards your
chest while keeping your tailbone on the
floor. Hold each stretch for few seconds
and repeat 3 times for each side.
3. Ankle over knee
This exercise is for the lower back and your hips. Lie down on the floor with both knees bent
while keeping the tailbone on the floor. Place your left ankle the right leg’s knee and push your
left knee down with you left hand. Hold for few
seconds and repeat 3 times. Do the same
exercise with the other leg.
4. Press up
Lay on the floor leaning on your bent forearms. Then press your
hands to stretch your back. Try to tighten your abdominals while
doing this exercise. Keep your head and neck in line with the rest
of the spine. Hold for a few seconds, rest briefly and repeat 5-10
times.
5. Knee rolls
Lie on your back. Keep your knees bent and together. Your upper body should be relaxed and
your chin slightly tucked in. Roll your knees to one side, as well as your pelvis, but make sure to
keep both shoulders on the floor. Hold
the stretch for one deep breath and
return to the starting position. Repeat 5-
10 times, alternating sides.
6. Pelvic tilts
This exercise stretches and strengthens the lower back. Lie on your back, bend your knees and
keep your feet hip-width apart. Your upper body should be
relaxed and your chin slightly tucked in. Now flatten your
lower back on the floor and contract your stomach
muscles. You do it by tilting your pelvis towards your heels.
Hold for a few seconds then return to the starting
position. Repeat 10-15 times.
7. Raise your hips
Lie down on your back and place your hands
alongside your body. Bend your legs and keep your
feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be aligned
with your toes. Lift your hips and back until only the
base of your shoulder blades remains on the floor. Try to hold this position for 3 deep breaths.
Lower your hips and repeat 5-10 times.
8. Kneeling lunge stretch
This exercise stretches the muscles between the front of your
thigh and the lumbar vertebrae which are called hip flexor
muscles. These muscles can pull the spine out of alignment if
they are too tight. Position yourself as per the illustration while
keeping yourself upright and not leaning forward. Stretch the
front of your upper thigh but keep your hips even. Hold for few
seconds and repeat on the other side.
9. Quad opposite arm-leg raise
Balance your body on your
hands and knees, with
hands located shoulder-
width apart and slightly
forward, and knees below
your hips and slightly
apart. Lengthen your right
leg and left hand
simultaneously. Return to
the base position and do the
same with the other side (Lengthen your left leg and right hand simultaneously).
10. Side plank
Lie on your right side, with straight legs,
resting on your right forearm. Your
elbow should be directly under your
shoulder. Gently contract your
abdominals and lift your hips off the
floor, maintaining straight line. Keep
your neck in line with your spine. Hold
20 to 40 seconds and lower. Repeat two
to three times, alternating sides. If you find it too difficult, start with bent knees.
11. Front Bridge exercise
This exercise is great for
strengthening you core muscles.
Suck your belly button and keep
your body as straight as possible without locking your knees. Continue to breath and don’t hold
your breath. Hold yourself in this position as long as you can, then rest. Repeat 2-3 times.
Gradually extend the time of holding yourself in the position.
12. Shoulder blade stretch
Sit on a chair or a stool while maintaining good
posture, then pull your shoulder blades backwards .
Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat 5
times.
13. Chin Tuck Exercise
As many of us age, and due to medical conditions
such as Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis, there is
a tendency to let the posture go. Our upper back begins to round forward, which then pushes our
neck and head forward and out of proper alignment. This can lead to
chronic neck and back pain. Do this exercise while sitting straight on
a chair without tipping your head in any direction, pull your chin and
head straight back. You will feel a stretch at the back of your neck.
Relax the chin back forward to a neutral position. Repeat for 8-10
repetitions. You can use this exercise throughout the day to maintain
good posture.
Start taking care of your back now as it needs to serve you for many
years to come. If you suffer from back pain, have a look at my article
on how to relieve back pain and muscle tension naturally:
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/top-13-exercises-to-strengthen-your-back-and-reduce-back-pain
IMPORTANT!! IMPORTANT!! IMPORTANT!!
1. Maintain a healthy, low calorie diet that is
low in carbs and fat, but rich in protein. Your
water intake should be at least 64 oz. per day.
2. Exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, biking,
cardio, etc.) 1 hour per day, 5 days a week.
3. Take vitamins and prescribed minerals without fail.
4. Seek out help from a mental health care individual (psychiatrist, psychologist)
to learn new ways of coping with stress as needed.
5. If you are a lap band patient and you have had an adjustment to your band,
and start having problems keeping foods or liquids down that day, that night,
or the next day, CALL US IMMEDIATELY and let us know. Adjustments are
usually done on Mondays and Wednesdays when Dr. Mora is in clinic. You
MUST let us know by Friday if you are experiencing problems so Dr. Mora can
evaluate you before the weekend. Do not go over 24 hours without reporting
problems to us or you can damage your band.
6. If you are a gastric bypass patient, 3 months or more out from surgery,
have your lab-work done one week prior to your follow-up appointments.
7. Regularly attend support group meetings.
Please write a story of YOUR weight loss
story with pictures and submit to
Melissa @ Dr. Mora’s office for
publication in the newsletter. Submit
to [email protected] or
call the office @ 361-6126, ext 2
IS THERE A TOPIC YOU WANT TO SUGGEST FOR OUR NEWSLETTER OR SUPPORT
GROUP MEETING? IT’S A GREAT TIME TO LET US KNOW!!! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM
YOU! The support group meetings and newsletters are for you, our patients. We want
to make sure you’re getting the information you want from both the meetings and the monthly newsletters. Send your
suggestions to Melissa at [email protected] or call the office
361-6126, ext 2
UPCOMING SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
**PLEASE NOTE! WE HAVE THE DATES LISTED BELOW FOR SEMINARS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2017
NOW, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND!
LOCATION:
Prattville Doster Community Center
424 South Northington Street, Prattville, AL.
TIME: 6:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M.
DATE: September 26 October 24 November 28 December 26
2017 January 23 February 27 March 27 April 24 May 22 June 26 July 24 August 28 September 25
PLEASE note all dates are subject to change due to availability of Dr. Mora or other
extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to call to check that the date has not
been moved ahead of time each month, especially if you live out of town.
Search morasurgicalclinic
GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
Everything said and heard in the group will be treated with respect for the
participants’ privacy. What is said in the group stays in the group.
• Silence is acceptable. No one needs to say anything she/he does not wish to say. The
group is supportive rather than judgmental.
• The group offers respect for individual choices and experiences.
• Only one person talks at a time.
• Turn off all mobile phones and pagers.
• No one is allowed to dominate the conversation.
• The group facilitators’ roles must be respected.
• Begin and end meetings on time.
• The group is a safe place to share feelings, and to obtain and provide support,
information, reassurance and encouragement.
• The group is broadly defined. It is flexible; flowing with the participants’ needs and
interests, and provides an opportunity to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Bariatric surgery support groups are open to all persons going through the surgery
process, including family members and others in a supporting role.
• Although the results of going to the group can be therapeutic, the group is not meant to
replace individual behavior therapy.
• Every effort should be made within the group to resolve conflict arising from or during
group interaction.
If you have any concerns or questions after attending one of our meetings, please feel free to contact Melissa confidentially
by email at [email protected]
