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 will be offering a monthly support group at the Tate Center, Glen Burnie, Maryland (see schedule below) and adding Andrew Walen, LCSW-C to our program.

Andrew Walen is a graduate 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 will Co-facilitate 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. The entire staff is proud to be introducing this new team member as it will enable our support group to grow and more effectively address each patient’s commitment and challenges to new lifestyle choices.

Beginning March 3, 2009, the Tate Center at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland will be our current support group location. All scheduled meetings at the University of Maryland Medical Center are now cancelled.

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 context of the history of obesity, and have the opportunity to discuss personal or professional issues that arise from the consequences of bariatric surgery. Group members also learn and are given reinforcement for nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification skills. A typical support session would include an "Ask the Doctor" segment, speakers and workshops, a Q & A component, and social interaction time.

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

2009 SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE
7 - 8:30 pm
Date	Support Topic	Nutrition Topic
10-28-09	Relationships (over two sessions) I. Stages of human courtship from being noticed to renewing the vows	Labeling terms and authorized health claims Can you trust Kellogg?
11-11-09	Relationships (over two sessions) II. Destructive relationship patterns including the fixer-upper and undercover lover	Holiday eating
12-9-09	Holiday party Dr Silverman: Plastic surgery after RNY Developing spirituality	Alcohol restrictions and recovery

Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Tate Center
301 Hospital Drive Glen Burnie, MD 21061

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: October 22, 2009.

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).