Bariatric Surgery Support: Groups and Other Methods

Find a Support Group

Education and support are crucial to weight loss and maintaining health. Undergoing bariatric surgery, or any surgery for that matter, can be a very stressful and emotional time for some patients. By finding a group of individuals experiencing the same weight loss and life changes, even before the procedure, patients can find the support necessary to maintain focus. With the assistance and guidance of bariatric support groups, patients can freely discuss their personal journey and seek advice on some of the critical questions on exercise, weight plateaus, breaking old habits, and other issues they may have on their weight loss journey.

By establishing a support group, patients can find comfort, motivation, and the positivity necessary to keep them focused on their weight loss journey.

As more and more patients undergo weight loss surgery, more support group options have become available. Online forums can be a great alternative or supplement to local groups with in-person meetings. Cyberspace support bariatric support can also make sharing personal stories easier and is great for patients with tight schedules.

What Do Support Groups Offer?

A quality bariatric support group will offer more than just social and emotional support. They provide an excellent opportunity for education, sometimes with a structured agenda with scheduled topic presentations and discussions. Other focus on activities for weight loss surgery patients to reinforce the fundamental principles and concepts of the bariatric surgery journey that are sometimes difficult for lay people to understand.

Many support group sessions have guest speakers. You may encounter speakers such as a dietitian to help with food issues and water intake, surgeons to speak about the different procedures available, and psychologists and fitness professionals. Other guests may present information on topics like grooming, dating, and cooking. These sessions can provide invaluable education and information, resulting in well-rounded knowledge for long-term health and weight loss success.

Involve Friends and Family

The healthy habits and lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery require patience, dedication, and consistency. Encouragement from family and friends when experiencing physical and mental changes will help you through struggles when you hit weight plateaus and need to get back on track. Patients undergoing these physical and mental changes are advised to seek encouragement from family members and friends. Those closest to you can become excellent sources of emotional and physical support, when needed.

Discuss Lifestyle Changes

Self-preparation, both mental and physical, is essential to your overall recovery, but preparing friends, family members, and those closest to you is necessary. Prior to the surgery, weight loss surgery patients should discuss what to expect before, during, and after bariatric surgery. Lifestyle changes are an easy place to start.

Your new, healthier diet may differ from what some friends and family are used to. For example, letting your sister know you'd prefer she not bring your favorite triple-chocolate cake to your next birthday party can help you avoid temptation. In addition, you can replace activities that have become routines in relationships, such as going out for ice cream or drinking at a favorite bar, with cooking more home meals or joining the gym near your house to exercise.