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Support Groups
Along with attending to our patients' physical needs, Fairfield County Bariatrics
strongly believes in supporting the post operative patient psychologically. We
offer support groups for our patients on a weekly basis in two locations, Norwalk
and Bridgeport. The groups are run by two clinical social workers that have different
approaches.
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Post op Bariatric Support Group (0 – 1 year)
Bariatric support groups led by psychotherapist, Anne Mata are free sessions intended
only for post-operative bariatric patients. Attention is geared toward patients
in early transition (6 months postoperative or less). Meetings are held on the first
Tuesday of each month at Norwalk Hospital and the last Wednesday of each month at
St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Groups are therapeutic in nature in which Anne Mata
takes on a cognitive behavioral approach. These groups consist mainly of open group
discussions in which a topic for discussion is usually prepared. Topics may include:
adaptation to your chosen surgery, coping skills, change, awareness, taking care
of yourself, social situations, fears, or other topics relating to your early postoperative
bariatric journey in preparation towards long term success. On occasion, a group
may involve a presentation by a guest professional on a topic relating to early
postoperative care/support. All patients are given the opportunity to voice their
obstacles or progress in relation to their postoperative bariatric journey. Participation
is encouraged, not forced. The focus is on providing a caring environment, supporting
each other toward a smooth transition – making positive change, and giving feedback
in relation to your own experiences.
Anne Mata is licensed in the state of CT for counseling. She is also a certified
clinical mental health counselor (CCMHC) and national certified counselor (NCC).
Education also includes a Bachelor Degree in Psychology (with a minor in Art) and
a Master of Science degree in Community Agency Counseling. She has been working
in the mental health and addictions field for over 13 years. She is a member of
American Mental Health Counselors Association and currently provides group and individual
counseling.
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Post op Bariatric Support Group (6 months and up)
All post-operative bariatric patients at different stages of their weight loss journey
are welcome to attend this interactive 90-minute bariatric support group. Support
groups are conducted twice monthly by a skilled Eating Disorders Specialist, Mary
P. Ziller, L.C.S.W. who inspires thought-provoking sessions to keep bariatric patients
on track with the physical and emotional changes that occur. The purpose of the
group is for patients to learn how to effectively unitize their chosen bariatric
surgery for continued weight loss and eventual maintenance and to achieve peace
and emotional clarity regarding eating patterns and body image issues. In a trusting
environment, Ms. Ziller's focus is to guide patients to identify and release psychosocial
stressors that block them from feeling good about themselves and contribute to emotional
eating and weight struggles. Positive methods for self-care are highlighted and
a series of individual skill-sets are reinforced at each support group. A few topics
covered include: managing the medical and technical challenges of lap-band/ bypass
surgery; differences between physical and emotional hunger; mindless/intuitive eating;
cognitive eating belief levels; managing stressful events; pivoting off of negative
thoughts; the tyranny of the “Shoulds;” 12-Step Principles and body confidence.
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