Patient-Created Support Program Inspires Weight Loss Surgery Patients in Central Ohio

    COLUMBUS, OH, September 23, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Patients recovering from weight loss surgery have discovered a high-energy, active way to continue weight loss success after surgery. Bariatric patients in Columbus have done everything from marathons and half marathons to ziplining through Hocking Hills. Started in 2006, the Fresh Start Posse is a weight loss support system that was developed by Fresh Start patients, for Fresh Start patients.

"Our success would not have been possible without Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and its comprehensive weight loss program," Chris Burkhardt, a 9-1-1 dispatcher in Columbus, who had weight loss surgery in 2006 and is now an active part of the Fresh Start Posse, said. "The Fresh Start Posse serves as a way for us to stay connected, and participate in various new activities together; we're energized by our new lifestyle and the friendships and support from other Fresh Start patients is important for our continued weight loss success."

The Fresh Start Posse was created by a small group of Fresh Start Bariatric patients, including Burkhardt, who recognized the need to stay active and maintain weight loss after surgery, while developing friendships. The group also serves as an information outlet for members to learn about and participate in marathons, races or other athletic events. Typcially, the Fresh Start Posse will try to do events as a group. However, there are no requirements for participation with the group and no regular meetings. Burkhardt said the informal support system is structured for weight loss patients to get the support they need without the pressure to attend meetings or activities.

Burkhardt said some Posse members have participated in extreme events to stay active and socialize together. Two members went parasailing, and one of them has also done a sprint triathalon. "It's just an amazing feeling to do something really thrilling that you know you could have never done before losing weight," Burkhardt said. "I recently went to Kings Island and did the Xtreme Skyflyer; it was such a great experience that I could have never done before Fresh Start Bariatrics."

Having access to a group of people who are going through the same thing you are is very important after surgery, Burkhardt said. "It's so helpful to have a group, espcially right after surgery, that you can ask, 'Is this normal?' You don't want to have to call the doctor every time you experience something new. Plus, it's that extra support to stay on track and not fall in to old habits after a few months; the Fresh Start Posse keeps you accountable."

Patients who experience weight loss surgery are encouraged to seek support before, after and during the process. With encouragement, guidance and accountablity from your family, friends, other patients and your weight loss facility, is invaluable to the success of your surgery.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, or have undergone a recent surgery, visit the Fresh Start Posse site, www.freshstartposse.com.

About the Fresh Start Posse
Our purpose, as members of the Fresh Start Posse, is to change our lives. With the assistance of the tool we've been blessed with, we enter in to a new life of activity meant to help us improve both our physical and mental health. We will do those things we could not do in our old lives, never forgetting where we came from. We are committed to supporting those who are making the journey with us.

The Fresh Start Posse is not only about the activity, but about the fellowship and support that we are able to provide each other in our new life journey.

About Fresh Start Bariatrics
What makes Fresh Start Bariatrics so unique is our compassion for each patient as an individual. In fact, our highly personalized care is the reason Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital stands out from other bariatric surgery programs in Ohio. Our team approach means you will have support every step of the way throughout this life -changing and life-saving procedure and every one of our operations is performed at Riverside Methodist Hospital, respected nationwide for exceptional patient care and outstanding results. That is why so many people from all over Ohio choose Fresh Start Bariatrics. If you think you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery, sign up for one of our free seminars or visit www.freshstartbariatrics.com.

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