The Center for Weight Loss Surgery provides access to support groups for bariatric surgery patients to gain more education and share common experiences with other patients. The following support groups are available:

Gastric Bypass Support Group
A free support group for gastric bypass patients. Topics include nutrition following bypass, exercise strategies, emotional issues, holiday management, protein filled recipes and many other issues of interest to the group. Led by Registered Dietitians, this group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saint Clare's Hospital/Dover.  Please call 973-537-3805 for more information or to register. 

 Lap Band Support Group
A free support group for gastric band patients. Topics discussed include post procedure diet, what to expect at the first adjustment, relaxation techniques, exercise strategies, protein requirements, holiday management and other issues of interest to the group.  Led by Registered Dietitians or Behavioral Health professionals, this group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Saint Clare's Hospital/Dover.  Please call 973-537-3805 for more information or to register. 


Session topics for the Gastric Bypass and Lap Band Support Groups in 2008 will include:

Voids and Wants
How ready am I?  What's really filling me up?

Bigotry
The many ways in which society discriminates against obese people.

Practical and Easy Behaviors
How to promote weight loss and reduce stress.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
You and your new body image.

What are Your Reasons for Losing Weight?
Health factors associated with obesity.

No Woman or Man is an Island
Ways to develop support within the family and the community, and the support role of the family.

How Do I Get a Life? 
The changing nature of relationships as weight loss progresses.

Intimacy
A discussion sexual issues and concerns.

The Top Ten Ways to Sabotage the Program
A humorous look at the many ways in which you can sabotage the weight loss program.

Conquering Plateaus
How to overcome plateaus

Holiday Know How
Eating for the holidays, vacations and special events.

Irrational Beliefs that Hinder Weight Loss and Happiness
Take the challenge—Self talk and changing emotions

For additional support groups in your area, click here for the New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse.