Festive & Focused:
6-Week Holiday Support Group for Pre- and Post-Op Bariatric Patients
The holidays can be overwhelming for bariatric patients, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Join us for this 6-week support group, where we’ll help you thrive through the holiday season with practical strategies, weekly support, and a community of people who understand your unique challenges.
Is This Group Right for You?
Are you asking yourself:
"How can I enjoy holiday meals without guilt?"
"What do I do when I feel overwhelmed by cravings?"
"How do I handle family gatherings and food without losing focus on my goals?"
"What strategies will help me stay consistent with self-care?"
If these questions resonate with you, you’re in the right place.
What You’ll Learn Each Week:
Week 1: Setting Intentions and Mindful Goal Setting
Create mindful goals for the holiday season and set clear intentions for success.
Develop strategies for staying focused on what matters most.
Week 2: Navigating Holiday Triggers and Social Situations
Learn how to manage food-related triggers and navigate social events with confidence.
Build strategies for handling holiday parties, dinners, and gatherings.
Week 3 : Managing Stress and Overwhelm During the Holidays
Develop effective stress management tools to keep holiday overwhelm at bay.
Learn how to identify stressors and create a plan for balance and self-care.
Week 4 : Coping with Cravings and Food Temptations
Understand the root causes of cravings and how to manage them during the holidays.
Develop practical approaches for handling food temptations in a healthy way.
Week 5 : Handling Family Dynamics and Boundaries
Navigate complex family dynamics and set boundaries around food and personal space.
Develop confidence in maintaining your bariatric journey while spending time with loved ones.
Week 6: Reflecting on Successes and Planning for the New Year
Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown throughout the holiday season.
Set intentions for continuing your bariatric success into the new year with confidence and clarity.
Flexible Attendance & Pricing:
You can join us for just one session, or attend all six – the choice is yours! This group operates on a "pay what you can" model with a suggested contribution of $40 per session, but you are welcome to contribute more or less depending on your financial situation.
Payment Options:
Payments will be made at the end of each session via Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or you can choose to be invoiced for credit card payment.
Why Join This Group?
The holiday season can feel overwhelming, but with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, a licensed bariatric therapist and patient, you’ll get personal guidance and support from someone who has walked the same journey. You’ll leave each session feeling empowered, supported, and ready to tackle the season with confidence.
Program Details:
Duration: 6 Weeks, starting 11/4/2024
Sessions: Mondays, 7-8:00 PM EST via Zoom
Cost: Pay what you can (Suggested $40/group)
Included: Weekly group meetings, resources, and community support tailored for pre- and post-op bariatric patients. You’ll leave with a summary of what we learned, journal prompts, and homework ideas for your to work through at your leisure.
About Ashlyn:
Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes is a licensed therapist specializing in bariatric mental health. As a 12-year post-op bariatric patient herself, she knows the challenges that come with navigating the holiday season and is passionate about helping others succeed through community, understanding, and practical strategies.