Both Fairview and HealthEast offer support groups for patients who are considering or have had weight loss surgery.
Fairview Support Group
The Fairview Southdale Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Support Group is a patient-led forum that meets monthly at the hospital. Facilitated by our staff, the support group shares experiences, provides encouragement and education, and is open to those who have had weight loss surgery, are scheduled for surgery, and those considering surgery.
Fairview Support Group Topics 2019
The Fairview Southdale Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Support Group is a patient-lead forum that meets monthly at the hospital. Facilitated by our staff, the support group shares experiences, provide encouragement, and education and is open to those who have had weight loss surgery, are scheduled for surgery, and those whom are considering surgery.
Support Group sessions take place the third Wednesday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Fairview Southdale Hospital in the Au Fait Nursing Education Room.
January 16 – Let’s talk about last year’s successes and plan more for 2019!
February 20 – It’s heart month. Let’s talk and get to know each other better. Donna Ziemer, RN will be facilitator.
March 20 – Robin Quast, RD, LD, will speak – uses for spices.
April 17 – Let’s try some nutritional supplements and protein bars before you buy. There will be several provided for tasting, and if you would like one to share, please bring it along.
May 15 – Bring a couple of copies of your favorite postop recipe(s) to share with the group. If you don’t have a favorite recipe or recipes, learn from the group and take some home
June 19 – A former patient, who is 14-plus years postop, will share her amazing, successful postop journey.
July 17 – In place of our annual summer picnic, it was decided the group would go for a walk around the hospital grounds for health for part of the time for those who wish to do so. Those who do not wish to walk can gather in the Au Fait Room as a time to talk.
August 21 – Picture and “big pants” night. Bring a pair of your preop pants or picture to share your postop journeys. This is always a fun night to share and celebrate!
September 18 – We welcome Julia Reid, PhD, LP, Clinical Psychologist – topic TBA
October 16 – "Let’s talk" – a day in the month devoted to answering questions about surgery and to discuss both the preop and postop journeys.
November 20 – TBA
December 18 –
We will have our annual Holiday Party in the Au Fait Room. Bring a dish to pass if you wish. Beverages and tableware provided.
HealthEast Support Groups
Connections: Bariatric Care support group
Connections: Bariatric Care is a monthly support group for people who are interested in having bariatric surgery at HealthEast and those who have already had surgery and are at any point along their journey.
The group meets the
second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital in the 3M Education Center (A-B room). The group is led by Paul Bagdade, PhD, LP, Behavioral Health Director, HealthEast Surgery & Bariatric Care. There is no cost for this group and registration is not required. Upcoming topics are:
- April – Indications, Contraindications and Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery
Laurie Sund, MD, Bariatrician - HealthEast Surgery and Bariatric Care
- June – Nutritional Labeling
Kayley Gamm, RD, LD, Dietitian - HealthEast Surgery and Bariatric Care
Connections: Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Support Group
Connections: Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Support Group is a support group for HealthEast patients who have undergone weight loss surgery and are at least three months post-surgery. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required.
- Meets quarterly, the 4th Monday in January, April, July and October from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the 3M Education Center, rooms A/B.
- Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at HealthEast Clinic and Specialty Center – Maplewood in the 1st floor conference room.
