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 directory. Click NEW LOCAL CHAPTER to create a new chapter and follow the simple instructions on how to get started.

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

the idea of a support group in my area...AK-Fairbanks/Ester/North Pole...is wonderful. my health does not allow me running a group but I could be a friendly backup for a leader via email. I have not found any type group here, although one may be out there. I am approx. three weeks pre op. and I know how a group would help. I have to travel about 800 miles round trip for my surgery and stay about 14 days in a motel. I would love to hear from anyone in Alaska or northwest Canada or eastern Russia.

Blessings, Karen

kmre2291@yahoo.com

Hi Alex,

Once you posted information on classes for CE Credits. It was for group leadership programs. Can you re-post that link as I thought I had kept it, but can't find it.

Thanks

Nancy

Great idea

Edited April 3, 201412 yr by RJ'S/beginning

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I got the email this morning and I think it's a fantastic Idea,. I love talking to everyone on here, but talking to people face to face also helps. I support it!!!

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It is exactly what Barbaric pal is asking us if we are interested in a support group in our own areas....I concur..It is a great idea....Sorry for the quick 'Great Idea' comment!

No one emailed me.

I don't know whether to be offended or relieved?!

Muahaha

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

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.

No one emailed me.

I don't know whether to be offended or relieved?!

Muahaha

I'm showing we did send you this email at exactly Apr 2, 2014 9:02 pm. Please check your spam folder. It's titled "BariatricPal Local Chapters…local leaders needed!"

No one emailed me.

I don't know whether to be offended or relieved?!

Muahaha

No one got a special email little one...it has been talked about on here for a while now and in the news letters. Besides you'd be great. I'd love to be at a support meeting with you leading it.....would never know what was going to happen next....A borrowed expression from you next..' blink, blink!'

We're looking at possibly offering Support group leader courses to all BariatricPal Local chapter leaders. You can view more info about these online and live classes at http://www.bsciresourcecenter.com/scat-content.php?sid=110 . They're worth 23 CE's.

Oh lordy, I'm only kidding, kids.

Although, i haven't been in receipt of an email to be fair. I shall duly check.

Besides, I am not the type run a meeting anyway. I can barely run a bath

Wouldn't mind turning up to some of yours though - if my butt gets back to the States sometime this year.

Indigo and I can be the Scottish party contingent!

Oh lordy, I'm only kidding, kids.

Although, i haven't been in receipt of an email to be fair. I shall duly check.

Besides, I am not the type run a meeting anyway. I can barely run a bath

Wouldn't mind turning up to some of yours though - if my butt gets back to the States sometime this year.

Indigo and I can be the Scottish party contingent!

Honey child...You and Indigo would have to come to Canada to visit my future support group....Hell i would even give you a place to stay...Imagine the time we would all have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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