Success after bariatric surgery depends on so many factors. Among the vital ones are commitment to lifestyle changes and a strong support system.
Studies have shown that bariatric surgery support groups play an important role in the success of a patient’s short and long-term health goals.
Here are 3 reasons why joining a bariatric support group is important according to the experts at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, TN:
Education
Bariatric support groups provide an opportunity for all patients – prospective, pre-op, and post-op to learn more about life after bariatric surgery. Through the sharing of experiences, patients get to learn from each other’s successes and mistakes.
Most support groups also have a planned topic each month, for each patient to share his/her experiences. In some of these topics, a resource speaker may be invited to provide more information and tips for the patients. This can be a dietitian visiting to talk about nutrition after surgery or a physiologist to discuss exercise after weight loss surgery.
Validation
“Is this worth the risk?”
“Am I doing the right thing?”
“Will this be worth it?”
Many prospective, pre-op, and post-op bariatric patients will have these doubts in mind. The good thing about joining bariatric support groups is that it’ll help validate your decision for doing the surgery. Aside from validation, support groups also provide you with insights and perspective to life after bariatric surgery, from those who have gone through it.
Motivation
While family and friends can be your support system, not all of them can truly understand what you’re going through. This is what makes a support group unique.
With members who have gone through or are going through what you’re experiencing, you feel more connected and supported. These people understand your decision to undergo weight loss surgery and know exactly how you feel, and what you are going through – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
We, at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons, understand the importance of having a good support system. We offer in-person and online (through Zoom) support groups for our patients.
If you prefer to join our online support group, our patient advocate can provide you a private Zoom link.
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.
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