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 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm.

Learn Imagine Focus Enjoy Renew Succeed!! LIFERS

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 2009

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

January 20, 2009:	“Start the New Year off on the Right Foot” - with CRMC Dietician, Danielle Ree, RD and - CRMC Physical Therapist, Andrea Sinness
February 17, 2009:	“The Many Faces of Denial” - with Psychotherapeutic Resources Psychologist, Dr. James Collins, LP
March 17, 2009:	“Ask the Surgeon” - with MIMIS Surgeon, Dr. Timothy LeMieur
April 21, 2009:	“Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Surgery – Topic Includes Insurance Information and Costs” - with Midsota Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Thomas Satterberg
May 19, 2009:	“Reading Labels and New Vitamin Requirements” - with CRMC Dietician, Danielle Ree, RD
June 16, 2009:	“Why We Don’t Do What We’re Supposed To Do?” - with Northern Psychology Associate, Jeanne Kurtz, PhD, LP Northern Psychiatric Associates
July 21, 2009:	“Weight Loss Surgery Patients Speak Out” - with Tami Froidcoeur and Jodi Folk
August 18, 2009:	“Ask the Surgeon” - with MIMIS Surgeon, Dr. Shawn Roberts
September 15, 2009:	“Delicious Recipes High in Protein” - with CRMC Dietician, Danielle Ree, RD
October 20, 2009:	“A Patient’s Experience with Weight Loss Surgery” - with Mary Gottsch
November 17, 2009:	“Staying Motivated During the Holiday Season” - with CRMC Dietician, Danielle Ree, RD and - CRMC Physical Therapist, Andrea Sinness
December 2009	No Support Group - Happy Holidays!

For more information, contact:
Erin Kennedy or Shar Johnson
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
218.546.4343

E-mail Addresses: ekennedy@cuyunamed.org or 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.