Events

Support Along the Way

Losing weight takes a strong commitment on your part, and undergoing bariatric surgery as a significant part of a weight-loss program, is a major undertaking. While it's something you can do alone, there's absolutely no reason you have to – or should. We've found that to be truly successful both in the short- and long-term, it's best to have plenty of help and support along the way. And not just from your family and friends.

The Stanford Center for Bariatric Surgery offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and support groups before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. The different groups provide a friendly forum for people who are considering or have already had weight loss surgery. We offer education about the surgery, guidelines for nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being during the preparation and recovery process. The groups also involve our patients who have gone through the procedures, or who will be soon.

Patient groups are particularly helpful as they can share their experiences and provide the encouragement and reinforcement you need to succeed in changing your lifestyle behaviors. Here is a sampling of some of the meetings and groups at your disposal. Feel free to contact us regarding any of them.

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings

The Stanford Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Support holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., at Blake-Wilbur Conference Room. Please contact the meeting facilitator or the clinic Patient Care Coordinator for meeting specifics, confirmation of date, and location.

These meetings are facilitated by a licensed professional. Discussions includes health goals, dietary requirements, exercise expectations, psychological preparation, role of family, short and long-term challenges, pre-op and post-op phases, etc.

When: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Blake Wilbur Conference Room
Administered by: A licensed professional
Contact Information: Patient Care Coordinator at 650-736-5800

Each month features a special topic, followed by a Q&A. Samples of some topics include:

• Dietary Requirements – Staying On Track - RD
• Exercise Expectations – The Other Half of Equation - OT
• Post-Operative Course – What to Expect -  MD
• Psychological Adjustment – How to Cope - MSW
• Plastic Surgery – Body Re-Modeling - MD
• Social Events – Walk for Obesity

During these meetings, if desired, you will be assigned a Bariatric Surgery "Buddy" who can help you through the process and keep you on track.