• Gastric Bypass Support Group (Pre-Op and 1-2 years Post-Op)
• "Back On Track" Support Group
• LAP-BAND® Support Group Schedule and Location
• How to Get Involved

About Our Support Groups

We know that patients participating in weight loss surgery benefit from support received from many sources – including family, friends, physicians and the entire medical team at AtlantiCare. But equally important is the support that patients get from others, like themselves, who have actually experienced weight loss surgery.

Studies have shown that bariatric patients who regularly attend support group meetings and follow up with their surgeon have the greatest long-term success.

Therefore, at AtlantiCare, we sponsor an active support group program, with moderators facilitating sessions for patients scheduled to receive surgery and those who have already had surgery. Often the two groups will meet together.

Meetings are held once each month* and provide:

• Education
• Counsel
• Assistance
• Reinforcement
• Friendship
• Weight loss recognition awards

Many of our support group activities are patient driven – such as the “Coach’s Club,” which is run by experienced, successful patients who have lived through the challenges associated with weight loss surgery. These patients are willing to support, counsel, befriend and “coach” others, so that they may reach their goals.

The feedback regarding our support group has been overwhelming positive. By participating in the group, patients have achieved success faster than if they had tried to do it alone. In fact, many patients develop lifelong relationships that extend past our regular support group meetings – with individuals staying in touch by phone, e-mail and casual get-togethers.

Because the support group significantly impacts program participants’ success, we require all of our patients to attend at least one support group meeting prior to surgery. And, we strongly recommend that patients continue participating in the group after surgery.

AtlantiCare’s Bariatric Support Groups are open to anyone who has had either gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery, regardless of where the procedure was performed.

Gastric Bypass Support Group Meeting Schedule (Pre-Op and 1-2 Years Post Op)

The Gastric Bypass Support Group is held on the first Monday of each month.  All support group meetings begin promptly at 6:00pm and end at 7:00pm.  Meetings are held in the Community Room at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter and childcare is available for $3 per session (a session is two hours). Please check the schedule for meetings that fall on a holiday week. For patients who are having weight loss issues after the first post-op year, please refer to our Back on Track group.

Download Summer Berry Trifle recipe

All meetings are held at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter.

Download a printable version of this schedule.

Gastric Bypass Support Group Meeting Location

AtlantiCare LifeCenter
2500 English Creek Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 677-LIFE (5433)

Click here for a map and directions

"Back On Track" Support Group

The "Back On Track" Support Group is held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. All support group meetings begin promptly at 6:30 and end at 7:30 pm.  Meetings are held in the Community Room at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter and childcare is available for $3 per session (a session is two hours). Please check the schedule for meetings that fall on a holiday week.  Please note, this group is for patients who have had any type of bariatric procedure and are experiencing weight regain, premature plateaus or simply need to get back to the basics of the program.  It will feature food journaling, weigh-ins, exercise sessions and open forum discussions.
At each of the "Exercise Sessions", a Registered Dietician will be available to answer any of your nutrition questions.

All meetings are held at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter.

Download a printable version of this schedule.

Back On Track" Support Group Meeting Location

AtlantiCare LifeCenter
2500 English Creek Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 677-LIFE (5433)

Click here for a map and directions

LAP-BAND® Support Group Meeting Schedule (Pre-Op and Post Op)

The LAP-BAND® Support Group is held on the third Monday of each month.  All support group meetings begin promptly at 6:30pm and end at 7:30pm.  Meetings are held in the Community Room at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter and childcare is available for $3 per session (a session is two hours). Please check the schedule for meetings that fall on a holiday week. For patients who are having weight loss issues after the first post-op year, please refer to our Back on Track group.

Download a printable version of this schedule.

LAP-BAND® Support Group Meeting Location

AtlantiCare LifeCenter
2500 English Creek Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 677-LIFE (5433)

Click here for a map and directions

How to Get Involved