BariatricPal is establishing a new program called BariatricPal Local Chapters. This program is part of BariatricPal’s mission to support weight loss surgery patients in their pursuit of achieving weight loss and following a healthy lifestyle. The purpose, structure, values, and guidelines for this program are described below.

I. Purpose

The leaders of BariatricPal Local Chapter have established the following objectives.

• Promote weight loss and healthy lifestyles among potential and post-op weight loss surgery patients.
• Provide a structured program for weight loss surgery patients to meet each other face-to-face in safe environments.
• Promote the ability of weight loss surgery patients to make healthy lifestyle choices through increased knowledge.
• Increase self-confidence and a sense of community through positive social interactions.

II. Organizational Structure

Management

BariatricPal Local Chapters is under the direction of Alex Brecher, founder of BariatricPal. Alex has the final say in all decisions regarding BariatricPal Local Chapters. Others involved in the governance of BariatricPal Local Chapters include the advising and managerial team at BariatricPal.

Local Leaders

Local leaders are essential to the success of BariatricPal Local Chapters. Duties include:

• Communicating remotely with local members to inform them of upcoming meeting schedules and agendas.
• Leading each local meeting or event.
• Making all meeting attendees feel comfortable and welcome
• Encouraging local members to attend meetings.
• Communicating with BariatricPal Local Chapters management to provide updates on local meetings and to gather information on upcoming events.
• Recruiting local experts to share their knowledge at meetings.

To carry out these duties, leaders must:

• Be committed to the success of their local chapters as well as the overall program.
• Be able to prevent personal conflicts and address them when they arise.
• Be available for scheduled meetings.
• Be able to interact with diverse groups of people.

Stakeholders

All BariatricPal members in good standing are invited to participate in BariatricPal Local Chapters.

Local Experts

Local experts, such as bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, mental health professionals, cosmetic surgeons, and others who work with weight loss surgery patients, can be invited to BariatricPal Local Chapters meetings. They can provide their expertise in the form of lectures, demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions.

III. Core Values

These are the core values of BariatricPal Local Chapters.

• Acceptance: The program is based on the understanding the individual differences exist and are to be celebrated.
• Encouragement: Participants can expect a positive environment in which their efforts to lead healthier lives are supported through peer encouragement and increased knowledge of how to make healthier choices.
• Respect: All participants in BariatricPal Local Chapters deserve, and are entitled to, respect. No participant may deride another for their choices.
• Consideration: Participants are expected to show common courtesy, such as allowing other members to speak in turn, attending meetings when they have committed to doing so, and lending a hand, when appropriate, in setting up and cleaning up meeting facilities.
• Health: BariatricPal Local Chapters supports all aspects of health from the physical to the emotional and psychosocial.

IV. Protocols

Meetings

BariatricPal Local Chapters meetings will take place on a monthly or quarterly basis. Meetings can fit into any of the following categories.

• Standard meetings (described below)
• Group walks or other physical activity sessions at a level that can include participants of all capabilities
• Group outings, such as to restaurants or grocery stores

Standard meetings follow this general structure, which will be further detailed in other program documents.

• Greetings: introductions and greetings led by the leader.
• Follow-up: discussion of any necessary follow-up items from the previous meeting, and discussion of progress toward goals stated at the previous meeting.
• Main event: this can be a lecture led by the leader with guidance from a BariatricPal lesson plan (to be provided), a cooking or other demonstration, or a lecture or discussion led by a weight loss surgery expert.
• Question and answer session.
• Goals to work on before the next meeting
• Closing comments, such as the planned time and activity for the next meeting and any necessary reminders, such as special materials or locations.

Other Events

The overall BariatricPal Local Chapters program may periodically sponsor regional or national activities. These may include workshops, casual meet-ups, or group excursions. Details will be provided as developments occur.

V. Resources Needed and Potential Obstacles

BariatricPal Local Chapters will require sites where meetings can be held. Leaders are encouraged to seek sites, such as local schools, public parks, church and other religious organization buildings, and other sites where meetings are commonly held. Facilities should have tables and chairs for all participants, as well as necessary resources such as a large screen. Items such as paper, pens, and other supplies may also be needed for certain meetings.

There are several expected obstacles for BariatricPal Local Chapters, but they can be overcome.

• Personal commitments interfering with the ability to lead or attend meetings.
• Transportation barriers.
• Slow growth in overall participation or leadership.

VI. Changes to the Charter

Changes to the Charter can be made by BariatricPal Local Chapters’ founder, Alex Brecher. Requests for changes can be submitted to Alex Brecher for consideration and approval.

Are there opportunities to help others and/or support groups in stl

I am trying to start a support chapter in dent/phelps county. how does this get started?

Any chapters located in NJ?

Any in Memphis, TN?