Bariatric surgery is just a tool to help you get started with your weight loss journey. To be successful, you need to follow it up with lifestyle changes like exercise and a healthy diet. This does not come easy for many bariatric surgery patients, but with the help of a support group, you can make it happen.
What are the Benefits of Joining a Bariatric Support Group?
Dr. Mark Colquitt and his team at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, TN understand that weight loss surgery is a serious, life altering decision that comes with many lifelong changes. These changes can be difficult for many people to experience, so the Foothills team highlight these reasons why it is important to join and participate in a bariatric support group.
• You’ll learn more from experienced patients
Your weight loss journey is a never-ending process of learning. With a support group, you can learn so much more than doing it on your own. You will meet and learn from people who have been in your shoes.
From time to time, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are also invited to attend support groups, share helpful tips, and provide you with encouragement when you fall off the wagon.
• You’ll stay accountable.
With a support group, you have a group of people who will cheer on you and encourage you to stay on track.
Support groups provide a non-judgmental environment where you can express your frustrations with what you’re going through and receive immediate, constructive feedback.
• You’ll get emotional support.
Bariatric surgery is more than just a physical transformation. It also involves mental and emotional change. These changes aren’t easy. Sometimes, you would feel a mix of emotions going through these.
A bariatric support group can help ease that burden. The people in your group have been or are in your shoes, so they know exactly what you’re feeling. Sharing your thoughts and feelings in a support group can give you the boost of support you need, and make the journey feel less lonely.
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, TN offers both In-Person and Online support groups through the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery. The In-Person Groups meet at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville in Classroom 1 or 3 on the hospital’s Lobby Level. The Support Group at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville meets in the Diabetes Services Conference Room. Discover more about our Support Groups.
If you’d like to sign up to attend, please call (865) 331-1385.
Bariatric Support groups meet at 7 PM in Classroom 1 every First Tuesday of the month and at 11 AM (in the same room) on the First Friday of the month.
The support group at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville meets in the Diabetes Services Conference Room.
We also offer an Online Zoom Support Group. Links to the online Zoom Support Groups canl be provided by your Patient Advocate.
Your weight loss journey may feel intimidating, but we’re here to help you. If you have any questions about our support groups, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. Foothills is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.