Pre- and post-surgical weight loss support groups

Making the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is an education process best aided by medical professionals such as surgeons and physicians, dietitians, and counselors. The greatest chance for long term success is reinforced by a well-informed decision and the championship of others who support and encourage the goals being set.

At the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIMIS), we encourage pre- and post-surgical patients to come together and support one another. The need for patients to communicate with each other, share experiences, and provide emotional support is facilitated in a group setting. Discussions are not only therapeutic, but are often lively and filled with helpful information. We provide a comfortable atmosphere where individuals can meet and talk with others who are dealing with similar issues.

LIFERS

The LIFERS weight loss support group was created for individuals who have had weight loss surgery two or more years ago. It is an open forum co-facilitated by weight loss surgery patients who share your experiences and know your needs are different now then they were following weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is a long-term, life changing decision; LIFERS will provide the support you need to reach your weight loss goals. You are invited to come together to talk, share experiences and provide emotional support to one another.

The LIFERS support group takes place in the MIMIS Conference Room.
The group meets the second Monday of the month from 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm.

Learn Imagine Focus Enjoy Renew Succeed!! LIFERS

Need Some Extra Help Staying on track?

The MIMIS Weight Loss Center will be offering an “On Track” program for weight loss surgery patients who need some extra support staying or getting back on track with their weight loss.

The On Track program will meet 2 times per month:

The 2nd Monday of each month with the LIFERS support group.

AND

The 4th Monday of each month will be an educational session with a specified topic. There will also be time to assess body composition. The program will be facilitated by the MIMIS dietitian.

Time: 4:30-5:30
Location: MIMIS Conference Room

Monthly Topics:
January: Back to Basics

February: Physical Activity: How to stay motivated

March: Choosing energy dense and satisfying foods

April: Goal Setting-Mapping out your plan

May: Planning- tips for grocery shopping, menu planning and organizing your kitchen

June: Portion control

July: Rev up your exercise routine

August: Treat yourself without feeling guilty

September: Overcoming obstacles

October: Nutrition analysis

November: Measuring success

December: Staying motivated through sticky situations

There is a small fee to participate in the On Track program. It covers educational handouts, body composition analysis, weight graphs, and food/activity journals. You may pay this the night of the meeting. Registration is not required.

$10 per month

Packages:
3 months     $25
6 months     $50
9 months     $75
12 months   $90

MIMIS Weight Loss Surgery Support Group

At MIMIS, we invite pre and post-surgical patients to come together to talk, share experiences and provide emotional support to one another. Discussions are not only therapeutic and educational, but lively and fun as well. Supportive family members and friends are also encouraged to attend.

Support group offers a variety of speakers and topics designed to provide high quality, educational programs related to weight loss surgery. No registration required; mark your calendar and plan to attend!

January-December 2010

Support group meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Heartwood.

January 19, 2010:	“Start the New Year Off on the Right Foot” – with MIMIS Dietician, Danielle Armbrust, RD, LD
February 16, 2010:	“Being Mindful of Pouch Management” – with Psychotherapeutic Resources Psychologist Dr. James Collins
March 16, 2010:	“Ask the Surgeon” – with MIMIS surgeon, Dr. Timothy LeMieur
April 20, 2010:	“Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Surgery – Topic Includes Insurance Information and Costs.” – with Midsota Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Thomas Satterberg
May 18, 2010:	“Ask the Surgeon” – with MIMIS Surgeon, Dr. Howard McCollister
June 15, 2010:	“Weight Loss Surgery Patients Speak Out” – Area Weight Loss Couple tells their story
July 20, 2010:	“Why We Don’t Do What We’re Supposed to Do?” – With Northern Psychiatric Association Psychologist, Dr. Jeanne Kurtz
August 17, 2010:	”Summer Fair” – Bring ‘Before and After’ pictures, clothing exchange and a recipe exchange, – with MIMIS Coordinator, Jill Wehseler
September 21, 2010:	“Diabetes Speaks Out” – with CRMC Diabetes Educator, Tami Froidcoeur
October 18, 2010:	“Ask the Surgeon” – with MIMIS Surgeon, Dr. Shawn Roberts
November 16, 2010:	“Staying Motivated During the Holiday Season” – with MIMIS Dietician, Danielle Armbrust, RD, LD
December 2010:	No Support Group

For more information, contact:
The Bariatric Program
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
218.546.4343

E-mail Address: jwehseler@cuyunamed.org

Speaker/topic subject to change without notice due to availability of speaker.

Meal cards for post surgery patients are available at all support group meetings.

In case of inclement weather, a cancellation decision will be made by 5:00 P.M.
Call 218.546.7000 to find out if the meeting has been cancelled.