mybonsecours
learn more about the procedures and nutrition, and get support when you need it.
Program Activities & Events
Registered dietitians at St. Mary's Nutrition Outpatient Center are available to help with postoperative meal planning.
Informational Meetings
Click here for a calendar of informational meetings.
2012 Bariatric Surgery Support Group Schedule for
St. Mary's Hospital
You are welcome to attend any of the following support groups to assist you in reaching your weight loss goals. During our meetings we provide emotional and behavior support for members trying to make significant lifestyle changes to better their health. We provide nutrition education and assist members to make appropriate food choices. In addition, members will learn a number of problem solving methods related to postoperative eating behaviors, food choices, physical activity, and coping with the changes of bariatric surgery.
The following support groups are available for you to take advantage of:
2012 Bariatric Surgery Support Group Schedule for St. Mary's Hospital
First Thursday of the Month: Open to all maintenance patients, those seeking to lose the last 20-40 lbs, and for those struggling with maintaining their weight loss. This group offers additional support to you in reaching your goals and maintaining your new lifestyle. We meet at St. Mary's Hospital, Education Center on first floor from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. The group is appropriate for patients with the adjustable gastric band, gastric bypass, and/or sleeve gastrectomy
Second Thursday of the Month: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Support Group
Open to adjustable gastric band or individuals considering the surgery as a tool for weight loss. We meet at St. Mary's Hospital, Education Center on first floor from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The group is appropriate for patients after placement of adjustable gastric band.
Third Thursday of the Month: Forever Thin Support Group
Open to all surgical weight loss patients whether you are thinking about gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery, just had surgery, or are five years out from surgery. It is an opportunity to learn more from other members. Family members and friends are also welcome to attend this meeting. We meet at St. Mary's Hospital, Education Center on first floor from 6:00-7:00 PM. The group is appropriate for patients after gastric bypass and/ or sleeve gastrectomy.
Our support groups are staffed with professional staff and seasoned surgical weight loss members to assist you on this journey. Remember in our support groups you will meet people who really understand what your life has been like and what your life can be. You will find the meetings enjoyable, inspirational, and motivational. The only cost to you is your time.
If you have any questions or suggestions about our support group meetings, would like to contribute to the newsletter, or you would like to share your story at support group, please contact Melissa Gulick at melissa_gulick@bshsi.org or call Ebbony Bolus at 804-287-7806.
Informational Lecture
All patients are required to attend an Informational Lecture hosted by one of our surgeon’s offices. During this time you will have the opportunity to meet the surgeons and their staff and get your questions answered about weight loss surgery. For your convenience, the meetings are held throughout the day and evening; please click below for a schedule of meeting times. The meeting generally lasts for two hours. There is no cost for this lecture, only your time. You may bring a family member or your support person; however, please no children.
Click here for informational meetings with Commonwealth Surgeons
Choosing weight loss surgery is a major, life-altering decision that requires your initiative and commitment. The informational lecture is the first step in this process and gives you an opportunity to find out if weight loss surgery is right for you. You are under no obligation to move forward with surgery unless you desire to go to the next step. No one will contact you after the meeting; it is up to you to schedule an individual consultation with a surgeon to move to the next step.
Topics Covered:
- Background information on obesity
- Causes, comorbidities and criteria for surgery
- Surgical treatments
- Possible risks and complications
- Potential benefits
- Insurance issues
- Summary / Questions and Answers
