Ursula Martinez, RN, Bariatric Coordinator, organizes and coordinates educational and support group meetings for the Bariatric Weight Loss Program.

Thinking about having weight loss surgery? If so, you probably have questions ranging from "What procedures are available?" to "Do they really work?" At Doctors Hospital of Laredo's Bariatric Support Group, you can get your questions answered and meet others who are considering their options and those who have had bariatric surgery.

Learning How to Succeed
Ursula Martinez, RN, Bariatric Coordinator at the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, organizes and runs the meetings. "Every meeting focuses on a different topic and starts off with a formal presentation," she says. "At one meeting a dietitian talked about reading and understanding food labels. Another time, a fitness expert led the group through a mini-exercise session." A question-and-answer period follows that includes time for participants to meet and learn from each other. Bariatric surgeon Charles Schwartz, DO, Medical Director of the Center, usually attends meetings to answer questions about gastric bypass and Lap-Band^® surgery.

Martinez also plans special events for the group. At the November meeting, the attendees enjoyed a healthy Thanksgiving meal that included roast turkey, whole wheat stuffing, cranberry sauce and sugar-free sweet potato pie. "We were able to teach exactly what a healthy portion size is for people who were trying to lose weight, preparing for weight loss surgery or who had already undergone weight loss surgery," she says. "That was a real eye-opener for many people." Everyone left with a recipe book that included a list of holiday eating survival tips. January's meeting was a mini health fair with free health screenings and presentations from local health clubs.

Open to Everyone
The support group is available for anyone working on weight loss, even if he or she isn't considering surgery. "We offer helpful resources and a warm, supportive environment that can put you on the road to healthy, lasting weight loss, no matter how you choose to do it," Martinez says.

Members of the Bariatric Support Group help each other on their weight loss journey.

United in Support
If weight loss is a concern for you, whether or not you have surgery, discussing your challenges and successes with others can help you stay on track. Join the Bariatric Support Group, which meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Women's Center Education Room on either the third Wednesday or Thursday of the month (depending on what day is convenient for most participants). For more information, please call Ursula Martinez, RN, Bariatric Coordinator at the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, at 956-523-2290 or 956-334-0419.

Discover a New You!
Interested in our weight loss surgery programs? Please go to www.IchooseDoctorsHospital.com, click on Hospital Services in the left menu, and then click on Weight-Loss Surgery. Or, attend a free information seminar. Please call 956-523-2020 for dates and times.

Doctors Hospital, 10700 McPherson Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 956-523-2000 / FAX 956-523-0444