Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure, so it’s important that you feel confident you’re making an informed choice. Below you will find several resources including helpful websites, good words to know, support groups, videos and information sessions that will help you in making the right choice.
Support Groups
We are here to assist you throughout your weight loss journey and encourage you to join our support group. It is helpful to share with others who are experiencing many of your same thoughts and feelings in a caring environment.
The second Thursday of each month.
6 – 7:00 p.m.
Mall Classrooms at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
Prospective and current patients and supporters are invited and encouraged to attend.
Information Sessions
You must attend a free information session before scheduling your initial consultation. The information sessions are designed to introduce you to our program and provide information about your weight loss surgery options.
At the session, we will privately obtain your height and weight using a specialized scale that calculates BMI and specific components of your weight. Learn about our scale. In order to use this scale, you will need to remove your shoes and socks. You may find it easier if you wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slide on and off. Refrain from wearing panty hose.
"The staff was excellent; very warm and friendly. Everyone treated us respectfully. Thank you and staff for being sensitive." - Patient
Bariatric surgery information sessions are held:
Every Thursday
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mall Classrooms
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
To register or for more information, please call (843) 402-CARE. To view upcoming dates and to register online visit the calendar of events. Not available on Thursdays evenings? Ask about our alternative session options to fit your schedule.
Online Community
In addition to our monthly support group, we will offer an online community, a place where you can find support and knowledge and interact with people who share similar experiences. The online community offers encouragement and companionship in your time of need. Join the Community now.
"Heart on my Sleeve"
Follow one woman's journey while she gets real about gaining control of her weight. Tracy, a REALIZE® Solution patient, provides a glimpse into her real life as she asks herself the same questions, confronts her obesity and health related issues and takes control. Follow Tracy's story.
Good Words to Know
A comprehensive list of common terms and words related to Bariatric and weight loss surgery that are helpful to know. Learn more.
Health Library
Roper St. Francis' comprehensive library and guide covering common health topics. Get the latest information on obesity and bariatric surgery, medical procedures, healthy lifestyles, medications and daily health news. Learn more.
Helpful Links
American College of Surgeons
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
American Obesity Organization
American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Association for the Study of Obesity
Bariatric Advantage Vitamins
Bariatric Eating
Bariatric Edge
Bariatric Support Centers International
Beyond Change
Body Mass Index
Building Blocks Vitamins
CDC’s Diabetes and Public Health Resource
Chef Dave
Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity
Lap-Band AP System
National Institutes of Health
NIH Consensus Statement on Obesity
North American Association for the Study of Obesity
Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
Obesity On Line
ObesityHelp.com
Realize Adjustable Gastric Band
Unjury
USBariatric.com
WLS Lifestyles Magazine
Multimedia Library
Our multimedia library offers an extensive collection of videos and animations on heatlh and wellness topics. Click on one of the options below to view videos, animations and podcasts.
Wellness Tools
Easy-to-use tools that give you a snapshot of your likelihood to develop common conditions. Get insight into your health with informative quizzes, risk assessments and calculators. They're fun, quick, and give you important information for managing your health. Try now.