Support Groups

Every patient must attend at least one support group meeting before having Bariatric Surgery.  We recommend that you get involved in a support group as soon as possible since most only meet once per month. Have this sheet signed at the meeting and return to us.

• We have one large internet support group through Yahoo Groups.  The web address is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/KnoxvilleWLS/.  This does NOT count as attending a support group, you will have to go to one in person.
• The Lenoir City Bariatric Support Group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00pm at the Beyond Bella Spalon in the Lenoir Mills shopping center.
  • Lenoir City: Follow I 40 west to the I 75 South split. After going on I 75 south, go to the next exit (81 Lenoir city) and exit I 75 south. Turn left off the exit and proceed to the third red light. Turn Left and then take the first right (between KFC and Home Depot). Turn right into the third drive and then around the front to the far end of the building. The meeting will be held at Beyond Bella Spalon, 149 Kelsey Lane, Lenoir City, TN.  Kim Long is the moderator and can be contacted at 924-7429 or universalmomma@gmail.com.
• The Oak Ridge Bariatric Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00am at the Methodist Medical Center Conference Room A.
  • Oak Ridge: Take Pellissippi Parkway to Oak Ridge.  Pellissippi turns into Illinois Ave.   Take the first right onto Lafayette.  Go through the lights and turn right onto Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Turn left at signal light #5 which will take you by day surgery.  Turn right into the parking lot.  Follow signs to the outpatient entrance. Contact Carolyn Adcox at 435-6278 or email jetdry37763@yahoo.com
• The Blount Count Bariatric Support Group meets at the Pellissippi State Community College Blount Campus on the 2nd  Saturday of every month at 10:00 am.
  • Blount County: You may go to the Pellissippi college website for a map and directions.  Visit www.pstcc.edu/blountcounty.  Take Alcoa Hwy from Knoxville past McGhee Tyson Airport on your right, take the right fork staying on US 129, Exit right immediately pas Wal-Mart.  The campus will be on your right.  The meeting is held in the main building.  Katherine Hamby is the moderator.
• The Lafollette Bariatric Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Rec Center in Lafollette at 7:00pm.
  • Lafollette: From I-75: Go up I-75 North to exit 134 and turn onto Hwy 63 East/ 25W North. Go about 7 miles to red light #6, 9th Street, make a right and the Rec center is on the left. Go in the main entrance and make a right and we will be in the small craft room on the left. From Speedwell, Middlesboro or Tazewell: Go Hwy. 63 West to the 5th red light, which is red light #6, 9th Street. Make a left and the Rec center is on the left. Go in the main entrance and make a right and we will be in the small craft room on the left.
    
• The Sevierville Bariatric Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00pm at the Echota Resort Clubhouse on Hwy 66.
  • Sevierville: From Exit 407 go to towards Sevierville 7 miles to Echota Resort on Left side of Hwy, after turning into resort go right past the wedding chapel, up the hill, and the clubhouse will be on your left.  From Sevierville go toward interstate 40, 2 miles resort will be on your right.  Call moderators Cindy Koontz (865-453-6841) and Mickey Koontz (865-712-3287) for more information.
• The North Knoxville Bariatric Support Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the Month will meet at 7:00 PM at Fountain City Methodist Church.
  • North Knoxville: Sandra Hatcher and her husband Leroy Hatcher are the moderators for this pod.   Directions to Fountain City Methodist Church: Broadway to the Fountain City Lake (Duck Pond), Turn Left at Hotel Ave.  The Church Parking will be on your left.  For information call Sandra or Leroy at 687-9180.
• The Roane County Support Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Roane County Community Center, Room B from 7:00-8:00.
  • Roane County: The Roane County Community Center is located across the street from Roane County High School. Follow the signs posted on the outside of the door.  Melissa Sykes is the moderator and can be reached by email at MrsKSykes@aol.com
• The Lap Band Support Group meets the 4th Thursday of each month at Church Street United Methodist Church downtown Knoxville at Henley Street and main Street from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.
  • Lap-Band: It is held at the Church Street United Methodist Church in downtown Knoxville at the corner of Henley street and Main street.  Meet in room 124 in the Church Life Center (the building with the gymnasium.)  For more information please contact Marc Gamble, moderator, at 865-604-8239.
• The Monroe County WLS Support Group meets at the Grand Vista Hotel main lobby meeting room on the 4th Saturday of each month at 10:30am.
  • Monroe County: Meetings will be held at the Grand Vista Hotel in the Tellico West Industrial Park just outside of Vonore TN.  From Hwy 411 go North on Hwy 72 one mile to the South Entrance to the Industrial Park, then turn left just before the Fire Barn and drive behind the Fire Station, then Left again into the Grand Vista Hotel drive.  Come into the Lobby and we meet in a small conference room next to the kitchenette.   For more information you can call Grant Fetters at 423-442-3731