The Registration session is intended to introduce and orient the participant to the program and gain the commitment from the participant to attend the program. It helps to avoid misunderstandings and disruptions once the group begins to meet. The command referral letter (copy on the CD) serves as a contract between the command and the facilitator. Referrals from health care providers should specify any medical restrictions. An initial weight is required; girth is optional, but can be a great motivator for individuals as it can indicate inches lost when weight either stays the same or shows a slight increase on the scale. If an active duty member is registered to attend the program, attendance at all sessions is expected barring emergencies; the facilitator can manage absences with the participant and command. As the facilitator, you should: 1) Provide participants with facilitator contact information. 2) If a member does not agree to participate (Precontemplation), provide alternative approaches, e.g., Navy Operation Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS); a commercial programs at their own expense; self-directed program such as the

0

AIM manual from the U.S. DHHS, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) or one-on-one counseling (if available) with a dietitian or health care provider. 3) Provide a copy of the Weight Loss Readiness Test (paper copy if in person meeting or E-mail to them if via phone or E-mail) or link to online VA Move11! Questionnaire and the ShipShape Program Fact Sheet. The VA Move!11 Questionnaire is an online alternative to the Weight Loss Readiness Test. Explain that they are to complete the Weight Loss Readiness Test or the VA Move11! Questionnaire and bring a copy of their completed form (for the Weight Loss Readiness Test) or a copy of the report (from the VA Move11! Questionnaire) to Session 1 of the program as their results will be discussed at Session 1.

4) Based upon the commitment from each participant during the Orientation Session, build your attendance roster, keeping in mind the recommended size of each group. 5) Know in advance how you plan to make copies of the handouts needed for each session and reproduce the handouts needed for session 1 based upon the number of participants included on your course roster. *Hint- one of our facilitators, once he knows the class size, prints out the handouts for each session using a different colored paper for each session and keeps each in a separate folder for easy identification. **As a reminder, there are very few handouts needed for each session; however, if you do not have the means to make copies of the needed handouts, you will need to plan to E-mail the handouts to the participants a 3-4 days in advance of each session and request that they print out copies and bring them to each session.

0

1