Deciding to undergo weight loss surgery can be a life-changing experience. Education and support are vital for the best outcomes and long-term success. Our bariatric surgery team here at Inspira will ensure you are not alone through this journey! We offer a variety of support services to ensure you are prepared before and after surgery for this journey.

These services allow patients to connect with their peers as they prepare for surgery and navigate the ups and downs of recovery.

Our Approach to Bariatric Support Groups

Inspira offers a New Beginnings Support group for our patients preparing for surgery and a Graduate Support group for our patients who have had surgery. Our support groups offer a variety of speakers with educational topics such as stress management, mindful eating, body contouring, and sleep health that are important for patient short- and long-term success. The support groups are offered monthly and are free of charge for our patients.

New Beginnings Bariatric Support Group (Pre-op)

The goal of New Beginnings is to support, mentor, encourage and educate patients who are in the pre-operative phase of their bariatric surgery journey. Participants will discuss diet, exercise, emotional issues, changing habits and preparing for life changes.

Where: Microsoft Teams (virtual)
When: First Wednesday and third Monday of each month, 7 p.m.

For an updated list of upcoming meeting times, please visit the registration page.

Note: Registration for New Beginnings is required for all bariatric patients before surgery.

Bariatric Graduate Support Group (Post-op)

The goal of Bariatric Graduates is to support, mentor, encourage and share knowledge and experiences among patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Topics discussed include goal setting, nutrition and exercise guidelines, relationships post-surgery, dealing with change and education on plastic surgery options.

Where: Microsoft Teams (virtual)
When: Second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.

All patients are invited to join Graduates support groups after surgery and will be sent a link to join via email. The bariatric team at Inspira highly recommends joining this support group to stay engaged with members of our multi-disciplinary team as well as fellow patients.

If you have questions about Graduate Support group or did not receive an email invitation, please contact your bariatric coordinator or BariatricVoicemails@ihn.org for the link to join!

Inspira Private Facebook

Support groups are important to weight loss surgery success. Our “private” Inspira Facebook is available and restricted to patients who underwent weight loss surgery at Inspira. This online group is a platform to share the tools you have found helpful on your journey to health or to get some encouragement from fellow weight loss surgery patients. It is designed to be patient-driven and interactive. It is also a safe environment to receive and share knowledge as well as a place where YOU can "virtually" meet other people who have encountered common situations in their own weight loss journey.

Get-Well Network

The Get-Well Network is an online tool which allows the care team to stay in contact with the patient throughout their weight loss journey. This network is no charge to the patient and sends out alerts and reminders before and after surgery to keep you on track. This service also allows the patient to send messages, ask questions and voice concerns regarding non-emergent issues. The responses come directly from your Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator.

Peer Mentor Program

Inspira’s Peer Mentor Program aims to promote the success of the post-operative weight loss surgery patient; provide emotional support and reduce any feelings of isolation or loss in the post-operative patient; and provide encouragement, guidance, motivation, and role-modeling support throughout your journey to health. This can either be a mentor and a mentee relationship (teacher/student) or a mutual support relationship (to go through the process and journey together).

If you are interested in learning more about Inspira’s bariatric surgery program or process, please call 1-800-INSPIRA or click here to view our INFO SESSION