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.

Need some extra help staying on track? Join On Track Support Group

The MIMIS Weight Loss Center offers the On Track Support Group 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, facilitated by the MIMIS dietician, will meet the second Monday of each month in the conference room at the MIMIS Specialty Clinic on the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center campus. The program is held with the LIFERS support group from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The conference room will be open at 5:45 p.m. for discussion and time to weigh-in.

November 14, 2011: Making Healthy Choices Away from Home and Special Occasions
December 12, 2011: The Mind & Body Connection
January 9, 2012: Back to Basics
February 13, 2012: Choosing the right foods
March 12, 2012: Staying active and motivated
April 9, 2012: Changing unhealthy behaviors and habits
May 14, 2012: Make healthy eating easier by planning ahead
June 11, 2012: Identifying and getting through weight loss barriers
July 9, 2012: Finding a routine that works for you
August 13, 2012: Measuring success, bring before & after pictures to share with the group
September 10, 2012: Vitamin/mineral supplements, what do you really need and what can you get from foods?
October 8, 2012: Realistic weight loss goals and setting other goals without focusing on the scale
November 12, 2012: Making healthy choices away from home and on special occasions
December 10, 2012: Recipe exchange

The registration fee to attend On Track Support Group classes is $25 for 3 months and may be paid the night of the meeting. Participants are not limited to attending only three months and may start attending during any month throughout the year. The fee covers educational handouts, body composition analysis, weight graphs, and food/activity journals.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Please call 218-546-4343 or toll free 888-546-4343 to pre-register. 

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. Support Group discussions are not only therapeutic and educational, but lively and fun as well. Supportive family members and friends are also encouraged to attend.

The Support Group schedule offers a variety of speakers and topics designed to provide high quality, educational programs related to weight loss surgery. Support Group meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Heartwood Senior Living Community Conference Center, 500 Heartwood Drive, Crosby. No registration is required. 

December 2011, No support group, Enjoy the holidays!
January 17, 2012
February 21, 2012
March 20, 2012
April 17, 2012
May 15, 2012
June 19, 2012
July 17, 2012
August 21, 2012
September 18, 2012
October 16, 2012
November 20, 2012
December 2012, No support group, Enjoy the holidays!

Support Group 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 for cancellation information. For more information about Weight Loss Support Groups email the MIMIS Bariatric Coordinator or call 218-546-4343 or toll free 888-546-4343.