Support Groups & Events

Y Weight Support Group

Y Weight? Support Group

The mission of the Y Weight? support group is to provide a supportive learning environment for pre- and post-surgical patients and their families and friends. We exist to help, with kindness and compassion, those who have completed or are contemplating weight-loss surgery.

Knowing that bariatric surgery is life-changing, Y Weight? promotes lifestyle changes which enhance the holistic health of its members. Meetings include open forum discussion, special guest lectures, success celebrations, and small group discussions that foster supportive relationships.

Time: 4:30 p.m.    Date: 2nd and 4th Thursdays    Place: St. Joseph's LL Rooms B & C
Check the calendar for more information.


Y Weight? Graduate Support Group

The Center is now offering a support group for those who are at least one year post-gastric bypass surgery. These individuals often face different lifestyle issues than those who are just starting their surgical weight-loss journey. Emphasis is placed on the POWER tools (Protein first, Optimism, Water, Exercise, and Resist grazing) with opportunities for weigh-ins, goal setting, and staying accountable for progress made. Open forum discussions, guest speakers, and small group discussions promote a supportive environment.

Time: 5:30 p.m. Date: 3rd Thursdays Place: St. Joseph’s LL Rooms B & C


Smokey Hills

Weekend in the Pines

This yearly retreat is held at beautiful Smokey Hills Wilderness Retreat and Conference Center, Osage, MN. The weekend includes educational opportunities, presentations, break-out groups, a keynote speaker, and activities such as yoga, exercising, health screening, and massage. This two-day event is held in conjunction with the Walk From Obesity.

Dates: Oct. 5 & 6, 2012


Center for Weight Management team

Northwoods Triathlon

Although not an official Center of Weight Management event, it has become known as "Leah's Triathlon" by many Center for Weight Management participants who have answered the challenge posed by Leah Walters, Bariatric Services Coordinator.

The Annual Northwoods Triathlon is sponsored by the Nevis Civic and Commerce, with proceeds going to support the health and wellness of residents within the surrounding community. Entrants swim .25 mile from the city beach on Lake Belle Taine, bike 14 miles on paved roads through scenic countryside, and run 5K on a fast, out-and-back course on the beautiful paved Heartland Trail.

This year the Center for Weight Management will sponsor two teams of patients in the triathlon.

Date: Aug. 11, 2012


About SJAHS

St. Joseph's Area Health Services is a community hospital providing full service inpatient, outpatient, home care, hospice, and emergency services in a growing rural resort area in northwestern Minnesota.
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Contact Us

Leah Walters, RD, LD, CDE
Bariatric Manager
St. Joseph's Center for Weight Management
600 Pleasant Ave., Park Rapids, MN 56470

Phone: 218-237-5757

Email: info@weightmanagementmn.com