The UM Center for Weight Management & Wellness

Surgical Weight Loss

Bariatric Surgery Support Group

The University of Maryland Bariatric Program has recognized the changing needs of our patients at all levels of recovery. To address our growth and commitment to quality care, we offer a free monthly support group at the Tate Center, Glen Burnie, Maryland (see schedule below). Andrew Walen, LCSW-C facilitates each meeting.

Andrew Walen is a licensed social worker in the state of Maryland. He brings compassion and an extensive history of working with eating disorders, addictions and the gastric by-pass population. He facilitates the Tate Center support group meetings and assist patients in addressing the many psychological variables that effect insight into recovery. Andrew is especially knowledgeable about behavioral factors that influence long-term weight loss success.

Support sessions, such as these conducted by the Center for Weight Management & Wellness, have been shown to directly increase the chances of short and long-term patient success following bariatric surgery. Regardless of where a person is in relation to the bariatric surgery process, just considering it or at any point prior to or after the weight loss procedure, he or she is welcome to attend the sessions. Significant others are encouraged to attend.

Group members, surrounded by people who understand and support their goals, receive up-to-date weight loss information, consider issues in the context of the diesease of obesity, and have the opportunity to discuss personal or professional issues that arise from the consequences of bariatric surgery. Following weight loss surgery, patients are faced not only with new eating and drinking behaviors, but also difficulty in making sense of the role food plays in their lives. Our support group focuses on learning a new relationship with food. Group topics include dealing with not only the nutritional and physical health, but also emotional, mental, psychological and spiritual well-being.

A typical support session would include a presentation and discussion on the support group topic and nutrition topic. Time is saved at the end of every meeting for patients who are at the beginning of the bariatric surgery journey to ask questions of the group. Many meetings include a "Ask the Doctor" segment and speakers. All meetings include social interaction time.

For additional information about the bariatric surgery support group, call 410-328-5877

2013 SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE
Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month
5:45-6:30 p.m.
Date	Location
5-9-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
6-13-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
7-11-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
8-8-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
9-12-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
10-10-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
11-14-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room
12-12-2013	UMMC Patient Resources Room

Meetings and parking are free. All pre-ops and post-op welcome

UMMC Patient Resource Classroom
1st floor Weinberg Building
UMMC Medical Center
22 S. Greene Street
Baltimore MD 21201

Directions from Baltimore: Take Baltimore Beltway 695 to Route 97 South (exit 4). Proceed to Route 100 East to Oakwood Road (exit 15). Turn right onto Oakwood Road and a quick right onto Hospital Drive. BWMC is located 100 yards on your left. The Tate Center is located adjacent to the hospital. Go to lower level of the Tate Center.

This page was last updated on: April 30, 2013.

If you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services, please call 1-877-866-7348 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 or 410-328-8940 (physicians).