FRESH BEGINNINGS SUPPORT GROUP

Are you ready to move on? Join a group of weight loss trend setters who have already taken that step and shed a hundred extra pounds. Sit down with us and chat a while. You'll find that a change in how you eat along with exercise brings great results.

However, if you've tried everything and nothing has worked for you, visit our web site at www.uab.edu/obesitysurgery.You will find a different perspective to weight loss through the Laparoscopic Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass operation. It has the best rating in terms of long-term weight loss!

As a service to our patients and the community we provide a free informal monthly support group for patients who have undergone or who are considering gastric bypass surgery for severe obesity. This program provides education and shared personal experience to help patients achieve the full benefit in adjusting to their surgery. All patients are encouraged to attend if possible.

SCHEDULE FOR GASTRIC BYPASS SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
VIEW THE MAP
All “Fresh Beginnings” meetings will be held in the West Pavilion Conference Center Room E, unless you are notified by the staff.

March 24, 2008 @ 6:30pm Speaker: Dr. Donovan Harper Chiropractic Physician Topic: Saving Your Back!

April 28, 2008 @6:30PM Speaker: Staff/Members Topic: Open Forum

May 26, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speaker: Dr. Jorge de la Torre Plastic Surgeon UAB Hospital and Clinic Topic: Contouring After Weight Loss Surgery

June 23, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speaker: Dr. Ronald Clements Director Bariatric Surgery UAB Hospital Topic: Following the Program

July 28, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speakers: Rebecca Shell, RN Nurse Manger 7 North Heather Tarquinio-Cumbest, RN, Nurse Manager, SICU Topic: The Insides of UAB Hospital

August 25, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speakers: Alison Cannon, RN, MSN, Care Manager Kim Walton, RN, Care Manager GI Surgery Topic: Managers of Your Care

September 22, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speakers: Panel of Members Topic: Personal Stories Regarding Weight Loss Surgery (if you would like to tell your story call me at 205 996 6984)

October 27, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speaker: JoAnn Hackett, RN, NP Research Nurse Coordinator Bariatric Surgery Topic: Follow Up Care After Surgery

November 24, 2008 @ 6:30PM Speaker: Dr. Kriste Lokken, PhD. Clinical Psychologist UAB Hospital Topic: Psychological Issues

No Meeting In December We always meet the last Monday of the month, except December. You are welcome to bring friends, family or co workers to the meeting. We ask that everyone sign in when attending the meetings.

At each meeting we will have an exercise tip for the month presented by
Brian King, PT
Physical Therapy Department UAB Hospital
For information on Pool Program and Post Surgical Exercise call 205 934 1163.

You are welcome to attend the Free Bariatric Community Seminars held the second Thursday of each month in the West Pavilion Board Room, beginning at 6PM (attendance will count as one support group meeting if attended before surgery). The seminars are open to the public. Come and learn more about the different operations to treat obesity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Clements office at 205-975-0471
Dr. John Gleysteen office at 205-975-8750
Deborah Thedford, Coordinator at 205-996-6984
615 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233