BariatricPal Local Chapters…a New Way to Connect!

[Alex Brecher 10,486]

Dear BariatricPal Members,

We are pleased to announce a new program called BariatricPal Local Chapters! This program will be an addition to the support that BariatricPal already provides to members. BariatricPal started as an online resource for hundreds of thousands of potential and post-op weight loss surgery patients. Many of you visit the site regularly to receive and provide tips and encouragement, and just to hang out. BariatricPal Local Chapters extends our online community into the real world.

BariatricPal Local Chapters includes live, in-person meetings with local BariatricPal members. We know the significance of support group meetings before and after weight loss surgery, but not all patients are able to attend live meetings in their areas. BariatricPal Local Chapters can help fulfill this need by providing the support for regular in-person meetings in neighborhoods around the country.

BariatricPal Local Chapter Meetings

Most meetings will follow a standard format that includes introductions followed by the day’s main activity, and finally a discussion or question-and-answer session. The main activity of the day can be a lecture on essentials before and after weight loss surgery, such as nutrition, exercise, overcoming obstacles, and building a support system. Other activities might include group walks, cooking demonstrations, presentations by visiting bariatric surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, or nutritionists, and clothing exchanges.

Do You Want to Be a Group Leader?

If you are friendly, enthusiastic, and committed to fighting obesity with weight loss surgery, we want you to consider becoming a BariatricPal Local Chapter Group Leader! Energetic group leaders are key to success. Your roles as a group leader will include:

• Scheduling times and places for Local Chapter meetings.
• Planning group meeting agendas including scheduling guest speakers, reserving facilities, and arranging for supplies when necessary.
• “Hosting” group meetings by leading the introductions and leading or facilitating the main activity and question-and-answer sessions.
• Leading group discussions or lectures when they are the main activity of the meeting.
• Reaching out to members to help you in regular tasks and fill in for you when you cannot plan or attend a meeting.
• Making all participants feel welcome.

Does this sound like something you can do? BariatricPal will provide support to Local Chapter leaders, including developing guidelines for running meetings and materials for group discussions.

Here’s What to Do!

If you are interested in being a BariatricPal Local Chapter leader, please use the BariatricPal Local Chapter forum.

• Click START NEW TOPIC to create a new topic.
• In the subject line, include the State Abbreviation, region, city or community(ies) that you will serve (e.g., MI - Wayne County, CA - Fresno and Selma, NY - Brooklyn). Include your country if you're outside the US please.
• In your post, describe your interest, why you think you will make a good leader, and your availability for leading meetings.

Please feel free to post questions on this thread. I am excited to begin BariatricPal Local Chapter meetings, and I hope you are, too!