Patient Support Groups
Our support group is for individuals who are having or have had metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) at UF Health Shands in Gainesville, Florida. If you would like to attend and are not currently part of our weight loss surgery program, please contact us.
Who should attend
Those welcome to attend our bariatric support groups:
- Bariatric surgery investigators seeking information and the “real story”
- Pre-op patients waiting for bariatric surgery
- Early post-op patients or “newbies”
- Long-term veteran patients to support others and just checking in
- Back-on trackers seeking to re-lose pounds
- Friends or family members
- Professionals (medical or other)
Meetings
Each meeting will offer an educational topic followed by an opportunity for patients to share their success and pitfalls with fellow attendees.
- Zoom sessions will not be recorded, so you must attend at the scheduled time to participate.
- There is no charge for attending the meeting, but registration and approval is required.
Studies show improved outcomes for individuals attending support groups than those who choose not to attend.
You may also want to check out OCEANS, the adolescent support group.
Support group meetings are currently offered at noon EST every third Thursday of every odd month.
Registration via Zoom is required for virtual meetings.
Dates and topics
- Virtual: January 23, 2025 "Protein Snack Foods"
- Virtual: March 20, 2025: "Preparing for Surgery"
- In person: March 20, 2025 "Dillard’s Event" (time TBD)
- Virtual: May 15, 2025 "Psychology Power Half Hour"
- Virtual: July 17, 2025 "Diet Trends and the Latest Protein Supplements"
- Virtual: Sept 18, 2025: "Vitamin and Mineral Needs After Surgery"
- Virtual Nov 20, 2025: "What Are Your Tips for Long-Term Success?"
Contact us
Please contact Gwen Crispell, MSN RN CBN for further information at gwendolyn.crispell@ufhealth.org , or call and leave a message at (352) 265-0111 x29634.