Resources 

Support Groups
Sentara recognizes that support is a key element of weight loss surgery. Whether you are a prospective weight loss surgery candidate, recently had surgery or had it several years ago, our support groups are an important piece of a successful recovery. Support groups are designed to help patients with some of the more common situations they may encounter following surgery. They are also a great opportunity for patients to meet, share their personal stories and find a common connection with others who have been through this unique procedure. 

Pre-surgery patients are required to register to attend a Support Group. 
   Please call 1-800-SENTARA. 

For post-surgery patients, registration is not required.

Support Group Locations
Sentara Metabolic & Weight Loss Surgery Center sponsors online and in-person gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding support groups for the community. 

Sentara Southside Online Gastric Bypass Support Group
This is a support group for people who had had a gastric bypass and for those who are researching this surgery for obesity. The Bariatric Program Coordinator for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Jeanne Sanders, moderates this group.

Sentara Southside Online LAP-BAND Support Group
Welcome to the Sentara Southside Online Lap Band support group. This is a support group for people who have had an Adjustable Gastric Band implanted, and for those who are researching this surgery for obesity. The Bariatric Program Coordinator for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Jeanne Sanders, moderates this group.

Join an Online Support Group
Our Online Support Groups are free of charge and simple to use. Support Groups communicate via email using a member list and may send a message to everyone simultaneously. Members can also send and receive emails anytime, 24 hours a day.

Health Tools
 
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

BMI Guide:
Underweight = <18.5 
Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight = 25 – 29.9
Obese = BMI of 30 or greater

Calories Burned Calculator
Find out how many calories you burn while doing your favorite activities. 

Target Heart Rate Calculator
Your target heart rate zone (training zone) is the range between 60 percent and 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. Working within this zone gives you the maximum health and fat-burning benefits from your cardiovascular activity.