Patient Support

The reason why Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) has been successful in performing weight loss surgery for 40+ years all comes down to expert surgeons and long-term support.

We believe this success is due to the hard-work and determination of our patients, supported by dedicated surgeons and staff. One way we provide the necessary support to you after weight loss surgery is through monthly Support Groups. We have Support Groups that are held every month via virtually through Web-Ex (also for our out of state patients.)
We believe it very beneficial to our patients to provide group therapy for all patients who wish to be supported in this way. This service is included as part of RMAP’s Education Program.

Virtual Support Groups

These groups are designed to help you in every stage after weight loss surgery. RMAP has teamed up with Lissa Hutchings, MSN, APRN, RNP-C, and Erika Reichard, CSW, along with various guests to provide specialized groups following weight loss surgery.

Medical Support Group — This group is for patients who have recently had weight loss surgery. This group is focused intently on supporting and helping new patients as they adjust to the many changes they face after surgery. It will focus more on the medical questions they might have right after surgery to help them understand what is normal and what is not. This group is taught by Lissa Hutchings, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.
This group is held on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:15-5:15 p.m.
***If you would like to join this class, please send an e-mail to support@rmapinc.com to receive an invitation virtually.***

Emotional Support Group — This group is for patients who are still in the weight loss phase. This group focuses on identifying habits, food addiction, thinking errors, self-defeating beliefs, and unresolved emotional issues which, if left untreated, are likely to sabotage the patient’s long-term success. Patients are encouraged to meet their weight loss goal and are carefully directed in how to approach the maintenance phase successfully. This group is taught by Erika Reichard, CSW, who is a Certified Social Worker. Erika graduated from Weber State University in 2014 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She went on to graduate with her Masters of Social Work degree from Walden University in 2021. She currently works at the Weight Treatment Center in St. Mark’s Hospital as an outpatient behavioral health specialist. Having undergone Gastric Bypass surgery herself in 2018, she uses her personal experiences and passion to help others.
This group is held on the second, third and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 pm.
***If you would like to join this class, please send an e-mail to support@rmapinc.com to receive an invitation virtually.***

Support Groups are part of the lifestyle resources available through RMAP’s Education Program, paid with your bariatric program fee at the time of surgery.

One important note for patients and patient supporters: Due to the private nature of Support Groups they are exclusive to RMAP patients ONLY, patient supporters will not be eligible to attend group, but are invited to our combined events held throughout the year.