Support
Having bariatric surgery does not by itself guarantee successful weight loss - surgery is only one of many tools that will help you achieve your goals. Key factors to success include: following the diet, exercise, proper use of nutritional supplements, and the ongoing support of those who share this experience with you.
We offer support groups that provide a sense of community, and provide information and encouragement during this life-altering time.
We require you to attend one support group prior to having the surgery so that you can get the perspective of those who have gone before you. We encourage you to come to the support groups prepared to ask questions. After surgery, we strongly encourage you to attend at least one group monthly.
Time & Location
We offer support groups throughout the greater East Bay. View our current schedule (PDF). For more information please call (510) 869-8972.
Introductory Seminar - Required
Patients who are considering surgery are required to attend an introductory seminar prior to their appointment with the surgeon. This seminar reviews the anatomy of the surgery, the diet plan, lifestyle changes to expect after surgery, provides a pre-appointment checklist to guide you through the process, and is a forum for you to ask questions of the nurse coordinators.
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Pre & Post-Op Support - Required
This support group is reserved for those who have had bariatric surgery to share their stories with those considering surgery. Pre-op patients get to ask questions, express concerns and walk away with first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be successful at weight loss surgery. A marriage and family counselor leads this group. You must attend this group if you are considering surgery.
We will be offering this meeting at three different locations: Oakland, Lodi and Fairfield. Please call (510) 869-8972 for more information.
The Oakland meeting is held on the second Thursday of the month starting at 6:00pm. This is held in the Providence Cafeteria, located right off the entrance at 3100 Summit Street in Oakland - View our Summit Campus Map and look up Providence Pavilion for directions or location details.
The Lodi meeting is held on the third Wednesday of every month starting at 6:00pm. This is held at the Lodi Library, 201 West Locust Street, Lodi, CA 95240.
The Fairfield meeting is held on the second Monday of every month at 6:30pm. This is held at Rockville Bible Church, 720 Link Road, Fairfield, CA 94534.
View Our Support Group Schedule (PDF, 171k) for more information on dates and times.
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Post-Op Only Support
This group is dedicated to those who have already had surgery. It is a time for the Post-Op patients to discuss issues, share successes and trade helpful hints with one another. A marriage and family counselor leads this group.
This support groups is held in the Bariatric Care Center, located in Room 2600 at 3012 Summit Street in the Providence Pavilion in Oakland - View Our Summit Campus Map for directions for location details.
For information on the date and time for any of the support groups, please call (510) 869-8972.
View our Support Group Schedule (PDF, 171k) for upcoming dates.
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