Weight Loss Surgery - Support Groups
Dignity Health Central Coast is pleased to host ongoing support groups for surgical weight loss. Support Groups are offered monthly to patients who are currently enrolled in the program or who are post surgical patients.
Marian Regional Medical Center
Health and Wellness Center
1207 E. Main Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(behind Home Motors, Subway and Starbucks)
2019 Meeting Dates - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- March 12
- "Exercise & Fitness"
- John Malinowski ATC, CET
- John is the fitness trainer for the WLSICC. He is a certified athletic trainer and a member of the WLSICC team. John leads the group exercise classes held at the Marian Health and Wellness Center and assists with patient fitness assessments. Join us for this discussion on making exercise a part of your new lifestyle.
- April 9
- "Plastic Surgery"
- Michael Pickert MD
- Dr. Pickart is an accomplished plastic surgeon with expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. After substantial weight loss, some patients may experience unwanted extra skin. Dr. Pickart will discuss the plastic surgery options that many patients choose after weight loss surgery.
- May 14
- Open Discussion
- June 11
- "Navigating the health insurance maze"
- Connie Koski AA
- Connie is a bariatric patient who has many years of experience in the insurance and medical industries. She will share with us her personal story navigating the health insurance industry's approval process. This will be a fun and educational time to discuss how to deal with your insurance company.
- July 9
- Open Discussion
- August 13
- "Psychological Evaluations"
- Denise Seastrunk RN, CNS, PhD
- Dr. Seastrunk is a clinical nurse specialist with a PhD in clinical psychology and is a member of the WLSICC team. She currently owns and operates Counseling into Wellness in Arroyo Grande, as well as performing psychological evaluations for patients undergoing bariatric surgery at WLSICC. Her areas of specialty include depression and anxiety, grief and loss, and eating disorders.
- September 10
- "Open Discussion"
- Tom Steffora, MA, LMFT
- Tom is a local therapist helping individuals work through issues including body image, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. He conducts psychological evaluations for WLSICC bariatric patients. This is a great opportunity in an informal setting to ask questions about your weight loss journey. The meeting is open to pre and post surgery patients and their support persons.
- October 8
- "Sleep Medicine and Pulmonology"
- Barry Feldman, MD
- Dr. Feldman is an internist who has specialized in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine for more than 20 years. He currently practices at Marian Regional Medical Center Emergency Room and at Pacific Central Coast Health Centers.
- November 12
- "Nutrition During the Holidays"
- Maggie Evans MS, RDN
- Maggie is a member of the WLSICC team and works exclusively with weight loss patients pre and post op. She educates bariatric patients about their unique nutritional needs. Maggie’s goal is to help patients feel confident using their weight loss “tool” to help support long-term optimal nutrition. Maggie offers many helpful tips for making it through the holidays while sticking to your plan.
- December 10
- "Holiday Potluck and Clothing Exchange"
- Bring a dish to share and any clothing you want to trade or donate.
Copeland Education Pavilion
1823 Johnson Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(adjacent to French Hospital)
2019 Meeting Dates - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- February 19
- March 19
- April 16
- May 21
- June 18
- July 16
- August 20
- September 17
- October 15
- November 19
- December 17