Weight Loss Support Group

Weight Loss SupportPre- 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) on the Medical Campus in Crosby, 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

         January’s topic: Back to Basics

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. Support group meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Heartwood. No registration required; mark your calendar and plan to attend!

January-December 2010

January 19, 2010:

“Start the New Year off on the Right Foot" - with CRMC Dietician, Danielle Armburst, RD, LD

February 16, 2010:

“Being Mindful of Pouch Management” - with Psychotherapeutic Resources Psychologist, Dr. James Collins, LP

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 CRMC Surgeon, Dr. Shawn Roberts

November 16, 2010:

“Staying Motivated During the Holiday Season”- with CRMC Dietician, Danielle Armburst, RD, LD

December 2010

No Support Group - Happy Holidays!


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

E-mail Addresses: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.