Obesity Surgery Support Resources: Online Groups, Counseling & Professional Services

Multidimensional Support Ecosystem

Bariatric surgery success requires ongoing support across medical, nutritional, psychological, and social domains.

Online Resources

• ASMBS (asmbs.org): Surgeon finder, procedure info, patient education, research
• OAC (obesityaction.org): Advocacy, education, community forums, insurance guidance
• Bariatric Support Group Network: Directory of online groups (Facebook, dedicated platforms)
• Baritastic / BariatricPal / ObesityHelp: Apps/forums with tracking, recipes, peer support

In-Person Support Groups

• Hospital-based: Most bariatric programs host monthly groups
• Peer-led: OAC-affiliated, independent
• Format: Education + sharing + professional guest speakers
• Frequency: Monthly typical; some weekly early post-op
• Virtual attendance options post-COVID

Professional Services

Individual Counseling / Therapy

• Bariatric psychologist: Food relationship, body image, transfer addiction, trauma
• CBT, ACT, DBT modalities
• Pre-op requirement at many centers

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

• RDN specialized in bariatric nutrition
• Pre-op: Liver shrinkage diet, education
• Post-op: Stage progression, micronutrient monitoring, deficiency prevention
• Long-term: Weight maintenance, metabolic health

Exercise Therapy

• Physical therapist / exercise physiologist
• Pre-op: Mobility, conditioning
• Post-op: Progressive resistance, cardio, core
• Adaptations for arthritis, mobility limitations

Finding Your Right Mix

• Pre-op: Psych eval + nutrition consult mandatory
• Early post-op (0-6 mo): High structure - weekly group, monthly RDN, PT
• Late post-op (6-24 mo): Monthly group, quarterly RDN
• Maintenance (2+ yr): As needed; lifelong surveillance
• Surgeon's program coordinator = primary navigator

Insurance Coverage

• MNT often covered (preventive/medical necessity)
• Psychology: Mental health parity; verify network
• Support groups: Usually free
• Exercise: Rarely covered unless PT for comorbidity