Week 1: A Note For The Group Leader
Just a reminder…your role is akin to that of the leader of a book club. Moderate the meeting, play the lesson, lead the discussions and be sure to watch the time.
The meetings for Weeks 1 and 2 are a bit different from the rest of the meetings that you’ll lead. These meetings are aimed at ensuring that all of the group members understand the basics of the DA Lite Program so they get off to a good start. So, you will be doing a lot of reading in these two weeks and you do want to get through all the discussion points. Beginning with Week 3, your aim is to get group members doing most of the talking.
The scripts, printed in Green, are for you to read aloud and include the group discussion points. Your support materials (not to be read aloud) are printed in White, and include answers for specific questions, and suggestions and hints to get the group discussions going and keep them lively and inclusive.
Generally, don’t worry about getting to all the discussion points – a good, lively discussion about a few of the points is more important than lightly covering everything. When there are points you must cover or when there is a need for you to save time for something at the end of the meeting, you will be advised in the notes at the beginning of that week’s material. You’ll want to do a quick review of all the slides prior to each weekly meeting so you can manage the meeting and timing efficiently. Also, always remember to save a couple of minutes for the “Wrap Up” you’ll read at the end of each week’s meeting.
And if you should get through all the discussion points before the end of the meeting, use this time to go around the room and check in with each other to see how people are doing and to see if anyone has a question, or a situation or upcoming event to deal with for which they would like to get suggestions/help from the group Week 1: Well Begun is Half Done Welcome to Doctors Answer Lite. Glad you’re here.
Today's meeting is all about getting started successfully. So, today, we’re going to get started right away by listening to the first lesson. Play the lesson. (Next Slide )
Discussion Point 1: Well, that was a lot of information. Don’t worry, we’ll go over the important points and have some time for questions. But, first, we're going to get to know each other
(If names are shown….)
so, let’s introduce ourselves. We’ll go around the screen starting with me and then the person shown next to me. I’m _____________.
(If no names on Zoom screen….)
by playing the "Name Game." Here’s how it works: I'll say my name and then the person in the uppermost left section of the screen will state my name and then their name. Next, the person shown in the next space of that row will state my name, the second person's name and then their name. Everyone will continue around the screen, restating the names of everyone who came before them until it gets back to me. And I must state everyone's name. Let's start: My name is __________.
Discussion Point 2: OK now, first thing, is everybody clear on how to do the modified fast? Does anyone have any questions?
Modified fasting routine:
-3 shakes and one 600 calorie meal per day. -Only one single meal, no splitting it up. -Meal can be breakfast, lunch or dinner
Look for "Yes" nods from everyone…if someone hesitates, ask them what they are having a problem with. Get the group to help them with explanations/possible solutions to issues.
Do the same for the following questions. Do you know how to make the shakes?
Be sure to use at least 8 oz.of calorie-free/caffeine-free liquid; water is always best.
If necessary, you can remind people that all the information they need about the modified fast, including preparing the shakes and the 600-calorie meal is available in the “Guide to Modified Fast & Tools in the Patient Portal.
Discussion Point 3: Now, let’s spend a few minutes so each of you can decide on a schedule for when you'll have your shakes and your pre-planned meal starting tomorrow. As the lesson said, it’s important that you stick to this schedule for the next few weeks. You can make a change later on but, for now, plan a schedule that you can stick to.
Keep these key points in mind:
-Set your shakes and meal times to be roughly 3 – 4 hours apart. -Write your schedule down or make a note of it before you leave group today, maybe even add it to your calendar.
Does anyone have any questions?
OK, has everyone set their schedule before we move on? Look around at people’s faces for “yes” nods.
Discussion Point 4: Hopefully, you all did the prep lessons so you should have your actual meal all planned out and you’re all ready to go. If not, after this meeting, you’ll want to go to the prep lessons in the Workbook and get on that right away.
And while we’re talking about starting out successfully, it’s really important that you make a commitment to do things like the prep lessons and the weekly homework that’s in your Workbook. They are an important part of this whole process.
And get into the habit of taking a quick look at the homework either right after the meeting or early the next morning. There are some assignments that you will need to be doing over the course of the week, so don’t leave the homework until the last minute. You will miss out on some important steps.
Any questions? Discussion Point 5: Your next step is to take another look at the goal weight you selected. Was the lesson right – who did actually chose a goal weight ending in a “7”?
Look for nods or a show of hands
If you did select a goal weight ending in a “7,” that’s great! You’re all set.
Can anyone explain why it’s so important to end your goal weight in a “7”? Answer: So you only give yourself a 3 pound leeway before another decade on the scale is breached (a zero ending gives you 10 pounds leeway and a “1,” 9 pounds leeway).
So, If you need to, now is the time to take a few minutes to adjust the weight you selected up or down so your new goal weight ends in a “7.” This is important, so do this right now. Anyone have any questions or comments?
Give people a few minutes.
After today’s meeting, be sure to update your goal weight in the Patient Portal. Discussion Point 6: So, is everyone starting to get comfortable with using the Patient Portal? Don’t be afraid to explore! There’s a lot of really good information there, as well as important tools for you to use as you go through the program.
Does anyone have any questions about using the Urge Journal?
As the lesson said, starting to record your food urges is key during these first few weeks in the program. Don’t miss this opportunity. You’ll learn a lot from what you do here and now.
And in addition to recording your food urges, be sure to use the food/water/exercise log to record everything you consume right after you consume it. We’ll talk more about using other parts of the Patient Portal next week.
We know that doing all this will be a new habit, and may seem like an inconvenience, but it is an important part of the program that you need to make time for. Wrap-Up: The last thing we need to cover today is recording your weight loss throughout the program.
Each week from now on, on the day of the meeting, weigh yourself first thing in the morning after having used the bathroom and without clothes to get your true weight. Record your weight in the Patient Portal.
It is really important that you do this every week. It is a non-negotiable part of the program.
All right, that ends today's meeting. You've accomplished a lot. Enjoy your first week on the program. Stick to the modified fast, use the logs and the Urge Journal. And remember to use the “Yell Stop” tool if you need to!