Support Groups

An integral part of the weight loss surgery program is your commitment to follow-up.  After your operation, you will be seen a minimum of four times over the first year to monitor your progress in your weight loss program and to verify that you are doing what is necessary for optimal results. For example, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients will lose an average of 35 percent excess body weight three months after surgery, and 50 percent after six months. Equally important is your progress toward healthy eating habits and lifestyle, which are critical to achieving your long-term goals. In addition, patients experiencing psychological issues associated with weight loss are referred to consulting psychologists experienced in those issues.

Support Group Activities

• Education: Nutrition, Exercise, and Emotional Aspects of Weight Loss
• Peer Support
• Clothing Exchanges
• Group Exercise Activities

Monthly Support Group meetings are a prime opportunity for you to meet other bariatric surgery veterans, and to help you learn from, share with, and support your peers. Meetings are run by our certified support group facilitator and attended by bariatric specialists. They feature monthly programs and experts from various fields who offer information to help you on the path toward your goals. Support groups are also open to the public, especially those considering weight loss surgery.

Date / Time / Location

Boise
Facilitated by Jennifer Garrison from Dr. Oakley’s office
Third Monday of the month, 7 p.m.
St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, Anderson Center, 5th Floor, Ada 1 Room
For more information, please call 381-7190.

Meridian
Facilitated by Evelia DeLeon, RN from Dr. Korn’s office
Second Tuesday of the month, 5 p.m.
St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, Cheyenne Room
For more information, please call 381-3915.

Mountain Home
Fourth Monday of the month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
895 North 6th East, Mountain Home
Conference Room: Enter front doors and turn to the left.
For more information, please call 381-3641 or 381-7264.

Nampa
Facilitated by Annie Campbell, PA from St. Luke's Bariatric Surgery Program
Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Saltzer Medical, 215 E. Hawaii
For more information, please email campbann@slhs.org or call 706-6212.

Twin Falls
Facilitated by Jane Hurd, RN from St. Luke's Bariatric Surgery Program
First Monday of the month, 7 p.m.
St. Luke’s Magic Valley Education Center
801 Pole Line Road, in the Oak 1 Room, Twin Falls
If the first Monday is a holiday, the meeting will be held on the second Monday.
For more information, please call 381-3641 or 381-7264.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no support group meeting in Twin Falls in June 2011. Beginning with the July 11 meeting, the support group will meet at the new
St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, 801 Pole Line Road, in the Oak 1 Room.