Support Groups

A Word about Bariatric Support Groups

Bariatric support groups bring together people who are preparing for or recovering from weight-loss surgery, or who are just bariatric-curious. It creates a safe setting where people can share experiences with others who understand things firsthand or who want to understand them. Most bariatric surgery programs sponsor a group, whether in person or online, with sessions led by a designated facilitator who is usually a nurse, social worker, psychologist, registered dietitian, doctor, or sometimes a bariatric patient. Some of our very best facilitators were our patients who allowed us to send them to facilitator training courses. (Facilitator courses are typically held in cities like San Diego and Las Vegas, which has made it easier for us to talk someone into going.)

The standard format of support group meetings is a round of brief introductions, which is followed by a short educational talk of some kind. The topic could be anything: managing portion sizes, hitting protein and hydration goals, navigating plateaus, adjusting to changes in relationships and body image, etc. We’ve had a few plastic surgeons come and give talks about aesthetic surgery after weight loss. Dr. Joseph Michaels (friend-emeritus of the practice) has done a few fantastic ones. The talk is traditionally followed by an open discussion. Questions are asked (and sometimes answered), tips are exchanged, complaints are made (sometimes), etc.

The benefits are practical and emotional. Because weight-loss surgery requires permanent changes to eating, activity, and mindset, hearing how others handle real-world challenges—dining out, cravings, loose skin, weight regain, or unsupportive friends and family—can make the changes feel manageable and less isolating. Regular attendance appears to be associated with better follow-through on lifestyle habits and better results over the long term. Groups normalize the emotional ups and downs that often accompany rapid weight loss (they are normal). A group sometimes can serve as an early-warning system, since fellow members or facilitators may notice signs of complications, disordered eating, or depression and encourage someone to reach out to their care team. Support groups complement and support the practice’s work of ensuring that our patients thrive.

We have had the privilege of hosting a regular bariatric support group in Loudoun County for the last fourteen years. The group is currently undergoing a reshuffle due to the retirement of our facilitator for the past ten years, the esteemed and beloved Ms. Deby Wine. (It has become difficult for her to simultaneously manage that responsibility and those of her senior leadership position at a national quilting organization.) The current plan is for the regular support group to resume in September, at which time we will begin having in-person support group meetings at the Herndon office. They will occur on the first Monday night of each month at 6:00 pm, and Dr. Fitzer will be facilitating. Hope to see you there!