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Virtual Support Group

Prepare for bariatric surgery with skills, support, and people who get it.

A peer-focused psychoeducational group for adults getting ready for weight loss surgery — facilitated by a bariatric therapist with lived experience of the process.

🗓️ Thursdays · 7:30–9:00 PM Eastern 💻 Virtual · 90-minute sessions 💳 $50 per session
Register for an upcoming group Read the Q&A

What happens during the group

Each session blends bariatric psychoeducation, practical skill building, peer support, and open discussion. Depending on the week, we may explore:

Emotional eating & eating patterns Triggers & coping skills Hunger, cravings & food routines Body image & a changing body Relationships & boundaries Stress & emotional regulation Building post-surgery routines Expectations about weight loss Identity & life change Coping without relying on food

Finding things to do that aren't food

A big adjustment after surgery is realizing how much time, comfort, celebration, or connection may have once revolved around food. So during the open support portion of group, members are welcome to bring a creative project or hobby to work on while we talk — no skill required.

  • Paint or draw
  • Knit or crochet
  • Craft
  • Journal or scrapbook
  • Plan a trip
  • Work on a puzzle
  • Organize photos
  • Try a new hobby
"What can I do for myself right now besides eat?" The question we keep coming back to

Who this group is for

Designed for adults preparing for bariatric or metabolic surgery, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. You don't need to be having surgery through a particular surgeon or program — whether you're early in approval, completing pre-op requirements, or already have a surgery date, you're welcome to join.

This is not individual therapy. It's a peer-focused psychoeducational support group facilitated by a bariatric therapist. We discuss emotional and behavioral topics and teach evidence-informed skills, but participation doesn't establish an individual therapist–client relationship and isn't a substitute for individual mental health treatment when that level of care is needed.

Try your first session for $30

Each 90-minute session is $50. New members save $20 on their first group with code TRYITOUT at checkout. No long-term commitment — attend the sessions that are helpful to you.

Claim your first session
Questions, answered

Pre-Op Support Group: Frequently Asked Questions

This group is for adults preparing for bariatric or metabolic surgery, including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. You can participate whether you're just beginning the pre-op process, completing your program requirements, or already have a surgery date.
No. You do not need to be a current therapy client to participate, and you don't need to be working with a particular bariatric surgeon or surgical program.
The group meets virtually on Thursdays from 7:30–9:00 PM Eastern Time.
Each 90-minute session is $50. New members can use coupon code TRYITOUT to receive $20 off their first session, making the first group $30.
No. There's no long-term commitment — you can register for the sessions you'd like to attend.
Each session combines psychoeducation, practical skill building, peer support, and open discussion. We explore the emotional and behavioral side of preparing for bariatric surgery and help members develop skills to use before and after surgery. There's also time to talk about current concerns, ask questions, brainstorm solutions, celebrate progress, and connect with others preparing for surgery.
Topics may include emotional eating, coping without food, stress management, body image, changing relationships, boundaries, expectations for surgery, identity changes, hunger and cravings, building new routines, and adjusting to life after bariatric surgery.
The group is facilitated by a therapist who specializes in bariatric mental health and also has lived experience with bariatric surgery — combining professional education and skill building with a first-hand understanding of the bariatric experience.
No. This is a peer-focused psychoeducational support group facilitated by a bariatric therapist. We discuss emotional and behavioral topics and learn practical skills, but the group is not a substitute for individual therapy when individual mental health treatment is needed.
No — we want this to feel supportive, not like 90 minutes of sitting on a video call talking about surgery. During the open support portion, members are encouraged to bring something creative or enjoyable to work on while we talk: paint, knit, crochet, craft, journal, scrapbook, plan a trip, or explore a new hobby. Part of preparing for life after surgery is discovering ways to relax, cope, celebrate, and spend free time that don't always center around food.
Absolutely not. The creative portion is completely optional, with no expectation that you make anything in particular. Work on a hobby you already enjoy, experiment with something new, or simply take part in the conversation.
No. Sessions are never recorded. Protecting the privacy of group members is important, and we want everyone to feel comfortable participating in the conversation.
Everyone participating is expected to respect the privacy of other members — what someone shares during group should stay within the group. While the facilitator takes appropriate steps to protect privacy, confidentiality among group participants can't be guaranteed the same way it can in individual therapy.
Group registrations are nonrefundable. Your registration reserves your space and facilitator time for that session, so please register only for sessions you plan to attend. Missed sessions cannot be refunded or transferred.
No. Participation in the support group is separate from a pre-operative bariatric psychological evaluation and does not replace an evaluation required by your surgeon or insurance company.
This group is designed around the needs and concerns of people preparing for surgery. If you're already post-op and looking for support, please contact us about bariatric therapy and other options that may be a better fit.
Choose an upcoming Thursday session and register online. If it's your first time attending, enter TRYITOUT at checkout to receive $20 off your first session.
© Advance Bariatric Counseling · Pre-Op Bariatric Surgery Support Group