We're launching BariatricPal Local Chapters!

[vogue 310]

I got the email and love the idea and hope someone starts a group in my local area because from what I can see, support groups are few & far between

That said, it's just not for me. I'm the type that of person that prefers the anonymity of message boards

[Indigo1991 1,612]

Alex, are there any plans to share a list of these (location, contact etc) once you have confirmed groups up and running so that if we are travelling, we can drop in on a local chapter?

Thanks.

Jacqui

Absolutely! We're in the organizational stage at this point. Once we have confirmed groups up and running, we most definitely will have them all listed with details online.

Great, thanks!

[pupichupi 124]

As I said before I think its a great idea. We have support meetings here where I live, but they are run by a lady that has no idea what it's like to go through what we have gone through? I would much rather run or go to a party run by someone that has the experience of what we live on a day to day basis. The support group here is for pre and post surgery people, and i thing that is the best thing, they only have it for the people that need to go to a support group by their insurance. I didn't have to do that for my insurance approval?

[BigGirlPanties 957]

Whatever it takes, I'm ALL IN!

[Debbie3sons 1,936]

If you read her post , lol then you would now it is about the different chapters diffrent states , that are trying to get going any one wants to volunteer time .

?

[Debbie3sons 1,936]

Sorry I noticed she is sleeved I thought we were on the band site , oh well , guess I didn't have my glasses on to notice ,oh well I will check when I see post or topics, just t make sure where I am , sometimes I don't even know lol.

?

[BigGirlPanties 957]

When I open the page...this is where I am...don't even know where/how... seems like "everyone" is on these pages... but I got the email... and I think it's a great idea... the more the merrier! I go to a group once a month...but I wouldn't mind another

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Sorry I noticed she is sleeved I thought we were on the band site , oh well , guess I didn't have my glasses on to notice ,oh well I will check when I see post or topics, just t make sure where I am , sometimes I don't even know lol.

?

Doesn't matter to me what surgery we have we all need support. We all need each other to assist. if it is a support group for all types that's fine with me....I'm there!

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

Still didn't find that pesky email

[Mississippi Girl 124]

This is a wonderful idea. i know we don't have any support like that in Mississippi! I will be glad to assist in any way I can. Thanks Alex for always thinking of us.

[tndfamily 17]

Will there be support groups in Canada as well!? I think it's a wonderful idea ????

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

Will there be support groups in Canada as well!? I think it's a wonderful idea

There are two topics for support groups in Canada here. We're looking for volunteer support leaders internationally, not just in the USA.

[tndfamily 17]

There are two topics for support groups in Canada volunteer support leaders Nationally, not just in the USA.

One of them is for Ontario and the other BC. I don't see anything for Alberta though. Slave Lake is pretty small but I might be interested in co-leading if there are others near here.

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

There are two topics for support groups in Canada volunteer support leaders Nationally, not just in the USA.

One of them is for Ontario and the other BC. I don't see anything for Alberta though. Slave Lake is pretty small but I might be interested in co-leading if there are others near here.

Fantastic! Please start a topic for Alberta and we'll assist you in starting up the group.

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

We're offering Bariatric Support Group Leader Certification to all BariatricPal Local Chapter leaders. Please let me know if this is something that would interest you.

The Bariatric Support Group Leader Certification is an online or in person course. You receive certification once it's completed. Here's a synopsis of the course:

Support Group Leader Certification

For the morbidly obese, a surgical intervention provides a remarkable tool. However, long-term, optimal outcomes require a comprehensive aftercare program to provide education and support to help each individual reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Participants in this course will learn how to organize, coordinate and facilitate quality bariatric support groups and educational classes. This course features agenda planning, facilitation skills, patient engagement and retention, and teaching ideas & techniques.

Participants will:

1. Identify key elements necessary to provide a supportive and educational aftercare program for their bariatric patients.

2. Understand the Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients principles, research and resources.

3. Learn important strategies for involving patients in support and educational offerings as well as how to provide volunteer opportunities for patients.

4. Become familiar with lesson materials, teaching aids and techniques and have an opportunity to prepare and present a lesson for evaluation and feedback.

5. Learn how to organize, coordinate and facilitate classes & support groups.

It offers 23 CEU's through Taylor College of Nursing in LA. You'll be able to register for a live or web-based course in 2014.

Attached is the 2014 course brochure. Additionally, here is a link to the online information.

BU Course Brochure 2014.pdf