Weight Loss Surgery - Support Groups

Jan. 14

Exercise & Fitness

John Malinowski ATC, CET

John 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.

Feb. 11

Diet vs Lifestyle Change/Healthy Self-Image/Value of Support Groups

Rev. Roger Chamberlain, MFT

Pastor Roger has a background in pastoral ministries and served as a counselor in the Atwater Clinic of the Merced Faculty Associates Clinic screening and counseling patients considering bariatric surgery.

Pastor Roger has returned to pastoral ministries as co-pastor of the First Church of God in Santa Maria and is a popular presenter at our support groups.

Mar. 10

Vitamins

Jason Schmidt, Pharmaceutical Representative

Jason Schmidt of Bariatric Advantage will join to discuss the role vitamins play in maintaining optimum health post-surgery.

Apr. 14

Plastic Surgery

Julietta Chang, MD

Dr. Chang is a bariatric surgeon with the WLISCC. Dr. Chang also performs plastic surgery with expertise in panniculectomy (skin removal). Dr. Chang will discuss the plastic surgery options that many patients choose after weight loss surgery.

May 12

Roundtable Discussion

Group discussion.

Jun 9

Navigating the Health Insurance Maze

Jason Buchanan, BA

Jason will share tips on how to navigate the health insurance industry's approval process.

Jul 14

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. In addition to completing psychological evaluations for patients undergoing bariatric surgery at WLSICC, she owns and operates Counseling into Wellness in Arroyo Grande. Her areas of specialty include depression and anxiety, grief and loss, and eating disorders.Dr. Seastrunk is also the facilitator for the weight loss support group.

Aug 11

Group Discussion with Tom Steffora

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.

Sept 8

Roundtable Discussion

Group discussion.

Oct 13

Ask the Surgeon

Carol McCloskey, MD

Dr. McCloskey is the medical director of the WLSICC and a bariatric surgery specialist. In her more than 10 years as a bariatric surgeon, she has performed more than 2,000 surgeries. Dr. McCloskey will join us to answer questions about bariatric surgery.

Nov 10

Nutrition During the Holidays

Colleen Seung, RDN

Colleen is a member of the Dignity Health team and works with a variety of patients. She will educate us about the unique nutritional needs of bariatric patients. Colleen’s goal is to help patients feel confident using their weight loss “tool” to help support long-term optimal nutrition. Colleen will offer many helpful tips for making it through the holidays while sticking to your plan.

Dec 8

Holiday Potluck and Clothing Exchange

Bring a dish to share and any clothing you want to trade or donate.