Meetings held from 5 to 6 p.m. on first Wednesday of every month
Staff Report
After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s bariatric surgery support group is once again meeting in person.
The support group takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Each session includes a presentation by either Program Coordinator M. Cristina Ortega, RN; Licensed Clinical Social Worker Christine McReynolds or Registered Dietitian Hayley Esdaile.
The support group is for people who have had bariatric surgery or are considering the procedure. Masks and social distancing are required. Participants will be screened at the LVMC front entrance for COVID-19 symptoms. Virtual log-in remains available for those unable to attend in person.
The topic on May 5 is “Nutrition Supplements” by Esdaile. In June, the support group will hear about “Eating for Life” by Ortega. Topics for following months include “Overcoming Self-Sabotage,” “Predictors of Weight Regain after Surgery,” “Your New Relationship with Food” and more.
The support group is free of charge and registration is not required. Family members or support team members are welcome to attend. For more information on upcoming topics, see the “Events” tab under Patient Resources at lompocvmc.com.
Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Program is led by Weight-loss Surgery Program Director Dr. Farida Bounoua, FACS, and assisted by Dr. Christopher Taglia. Required medical exams and evaluations are completed at Lompoc Health facilities. Surgeries offered at LVMC are the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
For more information or to receive log-in details, contact Cristina Ortega at 805-737- 3382. LVMC is located at 1515 E. Ocean Ave.
