INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM : SUPPORT SERVICES : Support Services

Hospitals > Inova Fair Oaks Hospital > Services > Bariatrics > Support Services

Support Services

We Will Help You Every Step of the Way

A message from
Harpreet Gujral, MSN, CRNP
Bariatric Educator
703-391-4989

Prospective patients may feel uncertain and have many questions as they inquire about gastric bypass surgery. As the Bariatric Educator for Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, I can promise you that we will help you every step of the way.

We offer many services to clarify and inform your process of discovery. Should you choose weight loss surgery, we have numerous classes and support groups to address all your new nutritional, fitness and lifestyle needs. Review the options and let us know how we can serve you better.

Many of our surgeons offer a free Informational Seminar describing procedure options and qualifying criteria.
Dietary counseling before surgery to supplement the classes you may receive through your surgeon’s office.
Personal coaching before your surgery.
Financial counselor to answer common insurance questions.
A private session with our Pre-surgical Nurse who clarifies questions about your surgery.
Hospital Tours - TBD.
Hospital visits by the Bariatric Educator and the Bariatric Dietitian.
A “Going Home Session” taught by our Dietitian before you leave the hospital, in preparation for your first few weeks at home.
Within the first 6 months after surgery, we strongly recommend our Post Op Classes - a series called The Happy New You. The classes teach nutritional, behavioral, social and emotional issues, and assist you to anticipate the changes you will experience.
Journey Together support group meets the third Monday of the month. You can make friends and learn valuable tips for success. A higher level of satisfaction and success is associated with patients who attend support groups. Common issues are discussed. Occasionally we ask an expert speaker to address issues of interest such as plastic surgery. Our members bring their outgrown clothes for a clothing exchange and socializing after the meeting is encouraged. (Please check with your physician for possible date changes.)
On Track Class. We created an exercise class with a personal trainer our for patients.
We have an open door approach to our care. If we can help, call us so we can be there for you.

NOTE: All support groups will follow the Fairfax County School decisions to cancel evening activities based on weather.

Journey Together Support Group

This is a structured topic meeting, discussion on the topic, general discussion if time allows. Fee: Free
Patients of all Inova Fair Oaks Hospital bariatric doctors are welcome. Bring support person, too.

Fair Oaks Medical Plaza building (located next to the hospital)
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Fairfax, VA.
Auditorium
Third Monday of the month.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Upcoming sessions:
May 19
June 16
July 21

Please note: Inova Health System bariatric support group does not replace the one-to-one contact with your private physician. Patients are encouraged to always consult with your doctor about any information that you may have heard while attending our support groups or while chatting on our on-line support group. Your surgeon and/or physician has a more comprehensive understanding of your health and specific conditions and while Inova Fair Oaks Hospital staff can help guide general information and discussions regarding bariatric surgery, it cannot be responsible for information shared by other patients. Our goal is to share information based on professional literature and practiced experience.

Happy New You – Post-op Lecture Series

A series of post-gastric bypass surgery lectures, for those who are at least 3 months post-op. Emphasis placed on the attitudinal, behavioral and emotional areas of weight loss. Learn new skills. The fee for the series is $150 for all classes.

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Conference Center
3600 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax, VA
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On Track

On Track is a 12 week series of classes. A personal trainer teaches the class and creates a personalized program for each student and helps him/her to work at his/her fitness level to build strength, flexibility and includes aerobic training. Fee: $75 (plus $20 for equipment)

Fair Oaks Medical Plaza building (located next to the hospital)
3700 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax, VA
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at these free seminars.