Seminars and Support Groups

If you are interested in having bariatric surgery at Ellis Hospital, you will need a letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician and you must attend the mandatory Bariatric Orientation Seminar described below.

Bariatric Orientation Seminars are mandatory informational sessions for weight loss candidates. The seminars are conducted by a surgeon from the Ellis Hospital Bariatric Care Center. Seminar topics include obesity, obesity-related diseases, qualifications for weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery (before, during and after), the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery, and nutritional and exercise requirements and guidelines.

The seminars are held a few times each month beginning at 5:30 p.m. and typically last an hour and a half. Registration is required. Please call 518.243.1313 to register. For a schedule of classes, click here.

Bariatric Support Groups give weight loss patients and potential patients an intimate forum in which to discuss personal and medical issues. Ellis offers the following support groups:

The Gastric Bypass Support Group meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at the Ellis Health Center Auditorium. Please call 518.243.1313 for more information.

Lap-Banding Support Group meets the second Monday of each month from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Ellis Health Center Auditorium. Please call 518.243.1313 for more information.

The Bariatric Support Group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, beginning 7 p.m., at the Ellis Health Center Auditorium These support groups are led by a certified social worker from Ellis Hospital and focus on the emotional aspects of weight problems, weight loss, social and personal changes, as well as eating disorders and old habits creeping up after weight loss surgery. Please call 518.243.1313 for more information.

Parking for Seminars and Support Groups is available, free of charge. Please note that attendees may be dropped off directly outside of the Ellis Health Center main door.