We offer support groups for patients who are considering, preparing for or have had weight loss surgery. You are invited to attend the Virtual Support Groups provided by the following locations:
Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery Support Group
The MHealth Fairview Southdale Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Support Group is a patient-lead forum that meets monthly. Due to Covid-19, we are meeting remotely from 5 PM – 6 PM via Microsoft Teams. The group is facilitated by Donna Ziemer, the program’s Clinical Coordinator. The support group shares experiences, encouragement and education. It is open to those who have had weight loss surgery, are scheduled for surgery, and those who are considering surgery. If you are interested in attending, please contact the clinic via MyChart or call the nurse line directly at 952-345-4198 to inform our staff that you would like an invite sent to you. Please let us know the email you would like the invite sent to. Prior to the meeting, a link with directions on how to join the meeting will be sent to you.
2020 Meetings
December 2 - The group will not have a speaker. The focus will be to offer support to one another during the Holiday season.
2021 Meetings
January 20 – Guest Speaker: Robin Quast, RD, LD
February 17 – The group will not have a speaker. This will be a time of group support.
March 17 – Guest Speaker: Gloria Nance, CHC, CHES, CPT Health Coach
Connections: Bariatric Care Support Group
This group takes place the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 PM - 8 PM virtually using Microsoft Teams. It is led by Paul Bagdade, Ph.D who is a Licensed Psychologist with the M Health Fairview Comprehensive Weight Management Program. There is no cost for group participation and it is open to all M Health Fairview (and those external to this program) pre- and post- operative bariatric surgery patients as well as their support system. Please send an email to Paul Bagdade, Ph.D., LP at psbagdade@healtheast.org if you would like an invitation to the group and to learn about using Microsoft Teams.
2021 Meetings
January 12
February 9- Medications and Bariatric Surgery
Guest Speaker: Sherri Jobin, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
MHealth Fairview Pharmacy Coordinator
Med/Surg Service Line
March 9
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
October 12
November 9
December 14
Connections: Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Support Group
This support group meets the 4th Wednesday of the month from 11 AM – 12 PM virtually using Microsoft Teams. It is led by Emily Feig, RN. This is a support group for M Health Fairview bariatric patients (and those external to M Health Fairview) who have had bariatric surgery and are at least 3 months post-surgery. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required. Please send an email to Emily Feig, RN at esfeig@healtheast.org if you would like an invitation to the group and to learn about using Microsoft Teams.
Healthy Lifestyle Virtual Support Group
This group is held monthly on a Friday on the fourth Friday from 12:30 PM - to 1:30 PM. It is 60 minutes of small group guided discussion, support and resources led by National Board Certified Health Coach, Emily Kline. All are welcome who want a healthy lifestyle. To receive monthly invites to the Healthy Lifestyle Virtual Support Group or if you have any questions about having a health coach or attending support group, please email Emily at ekline1@Fairview.org. Emily will send out invites for each session, with the phone number and the conference ID number specific to that session.
2020 Meetings
November 13 – The Importance of Self Care and Connection During Covid
December 11 – Open Forum
2021 Meetings
January 29 - How to Stay Active and Healthy during the Winter Months
February 26 - Reading Food Labels: What do I Need to Know?
Guest Speaker: Katelyn Broz, RD
March 19 - Finding Health, Happiness and Confidence at Every Size
Guest Speaker: Brooke Palmer, Health Psychology Fellow
April 30 - Healthy Eating on a Budget
Guest Speaker: Krista Kerlinske, RD
May 21 - Open Forum
