Our support group is currently every second and fourth Wednesday of the month via Zoom by our dietitian, Jessica Smith. There will be guest speakers each week. Times do fluctuate, but there will be a morning option as well as an evening option each month. All meetings, times and speakers are subject to change.
Alternatives for support are encouraged for all patients, but especially for those whom distance or transportation issues are a hardship; these include Weight Watchers, TOPS (Take off/Keep off Pounds Sensibly), Overeaters Anonymous, and various web sites including ObesityHelp.com, Loselt.com, sparkpeople.com and the commercial sites for Ethicon and Covidien.
Patients are advised that regular attendance (>6/year) at a support group can enhance weight management to a statistically-significant degree in our program, and are urged to attend.
April
Wednesday, April 12
Mindfulness
- To raise awareness of thoughts, feelings, actions, motivations
- To break unconscious habits and make appropriate – healthful – changes
Hunger is a physical need. Appetite is an emotional want. Fullness is satisfaction.
Intention and Attention. Pause and Reflect.
Thursday, April 27
Body Image/Confidence
May
Wednesday, May 10
Vitamins and Minerals
Weight Loss Surgery carries with it some common vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Learn about common deficiencies and how you can combat them.
Wednesday, May 24
Servings v. Portions
Serving Size: A measured amount, or specific quantity, or food or drink
Portion size: The amount of food eaten at one time (at one sitting). Note: a portion may be more or less than a serving
Tips
- Eat 3 meals daily and eat protein first, then non-starchy veggies, then fruit (if you still have room)
- Avoid starchy foods and added sugars
- Take your time at meals, stop eating when you’re full, don’t overeat (fullness = feeling of pressure), avoiding drinking extra fluids with your meals
- Pause between bites, use smaller plates and utensils, measure your foods, practice mindfulness
June
Wednesday, June 14
Hydration After Bariatric Surgery
Water is essential for the body to function and perform as it should.
Dehydration risks
- Summer heat
- High intensity exercise
- Fever and illness
- High-protein diet
- Poor fluid intakes/choices
Dehydration signs and symptoms
- Thirsty (less reliable)
- Dry mouth/ skin/ lips
- Less urination or dark (amber) urine, tearless
- Sunken eyes, shriveled skin without elasticity
- Weak pulse or rapid heartbeat
- Colder extremities
- Hunger, cramping, constipation
- Headache, confusion, irritability, dizziness, sleepiness, lethargy
- Loss of consciousness (extreme case)
Hydration tips
- Start drinking fluids earlier on in the day
- Keep fluids with you throughout the day (morning through evening)
- Drink fluids that are hydrating vs. dehydrating
- Have various choices of fluids available to choose from & keep things interesting
- Get a bottle or tumbler that can be shown off!
- Add moisture to foods when cooking & serving
- Use timers, labeled bottles, and other tools to make intakes easier remember and do!
Wednesday, June 28
Low-Impact Exercise
July
Wednesday, July 12
Diet Trends and Reading Food Labels
Food labels can be used to promote certain dietary habits and preferences.
- Keto
- Paleo
- Atkins
- Whole food/ plant-based
- Gluten-free
- High-protein
- Low-carb
- Sugar-free
“Are they really what they claim to be?”
Follow some simple steps before purchasing food products to ensure the product you’re reaching for is what you really want.
- Does this meet my dietary needs & recommendations?
- Does it have the nutrition components I’m wanting most of?
- What are the first ingredients?
- Why was I drawn to this choice vs. another?
Wednesday, July 26
Addiction/Eating Behaviors
August
Wednesday, August 9
Stress and Management
Wednesday, August 23
Seasonal Eats
September
Wednesday, September 13
Bariatric Store Tour
Friday, September 29
TBD
October
Wednesday, October 11
Sugars
Wednesday, October 25
Loose Skin/Skin Care
November
Wednesday, November 8
Fiber
Wednesday, November 29
Exercise Importance
December
Wednesday, December 13
Protein
Friday, December 29
TBD
Contact Us
For more information, please call (816) 271-6155.
You can also send us a message online.
