Patient Support

The reason why Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) has been successful in performing weight loss surgery for 30 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 meet in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and American Fork every month.
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.

Salt Lake Support Groups
We have teamed up to offer three different support groups to fit the needs of our patients. Each patient desiring to participate will be more than welcome to attend either one of these groups no matter where they are in their weight loss journey.

These groups are designed to help you in every stage after weight-loss surgery. RMAP has teamed up with  Lissa Hutchings, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and  Michelle Lewis, LCSW, of Salt Lake Weight Counseling to provide specialized groups following weight-loss surgery.

Medical Support Group — This group is for patients who have just 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 meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:15-5:15 p.m.

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 Michelle Lewis, LCSW.
This group meets on the second of Wednesday of each month from 5:00-6:30 & 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Peer to Peer Group — This group will be patient led and give patients a chance to talk with one another in a group setting. Lessons are presented by patients on topic related to weight loss surgery.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Weight Management Group — This group is taught by Lissa Hutchings, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. This group focuses on discussing what you as our patients are looking to get out of this class; maintaining your weight, help with weight regain, how to get back on track, etc.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the months of February, May, August and November from 5:30-6:30.

Salt Lake Support Group meetings are held in the RMAP Education Center located in the North Medical Building at St. Mark’s Hospital in Suite 4200.

Ogden Support Group
Ogden Support Group is open to all RMAP patients. Lessons are presented by patients on topics related to bariatric surgery.
Ogden Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Meetings are currently being held at Ogden Regional Medical Center in the Woman’s & Children’s Center Room 105A. Address: 5475 S 500 E, Ogden, UT

American Fork Support Group
American Fork Support Group is open to all RMAP patients. Lessons are presented by patients on topics related to bariatric surgery.
American Fork Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Meetings are currently being held at American Fork Library on 64 S 100 E, American Fork, UT in the Conference Room

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.