Bariatric Surgery Local Support Group

Upstate's Bariatric Surgery Center hosts free support group sessions for patients that are pursuing bariatric surgery, or have had bariatric surgery.

Each session will offer an educational topic. The support group atmosphere provides the opportunity for participants to ask questions, as well as share tips and success stories with the group in a safe space. Open discussion of additional topics is encouraged.

Support Groups are currently being offered virtually, from 4pm to 5pm once a month on the 4th Monday of the month.

If this is your FIRST REQUIRED SUPPORT GROUP, please email Jackie Turner at [email protected] with your name, date of birth, and preferred attendance date for scheduling.

For all other attendees, you may request a link for an upcoming group by emailing Jackie. You may also request to be added to an automatic monthly email that will include the topic info and handouts.

At this time we are only able to permit patients in our program to participate (before and/or after surgery).

Our 2025 meetings/topics are scheduled as follows:

January 27 Self-Talk: Is it what you're eating, or what's eating you?

February 24 Success at the Grocery Store

March 24 Key Factors for Success

April 28 Hunger and Cravings

May 19 Portion Control

June 23 Summer Fun -- Staying cool, hydrating and healthy meals

July 29 Non-scale Victories

August 25 Cravings and Emotional Eating

September 22 Movin and Groovin - Ways to Stay Active This Fall

October 27 Holidays - Ways to Manage Difficult Situations