Undergoing bariatric surgery is a major event. It is a big step in a person’s weight loss journey. Foothills Weight Loss Specialists provides local monthly support groups in Knoxville and Maryville for patients who have had bariatric surgery. Support groups are comprised of people who have been in your shoes. Joining these groups can provide emotional support especially because these people know exactly what you’re going through.
Each meeting focuses on a different topic based on the challenges faced by those who have undergone weight loss surgery. The purpose is to assist with short-term and long-term goals, questions, and needs. Support groups also provide resources to help patients stay on track. This ongoing post-surgical support helps produce the greatest success rates.
The use of support groups provides weight loss surgery patients an excellent opportunity to discuss various personal and professional challenges. We spoke with Bariatric Coordinator, Rachel Hughes, who is a bariatric patient of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists herself.
“Support groups were essential to my personal path and success after bariatric surgery,” Rachel explains. “There are a lot of misconceptions about people with morbid obesity, so it’s comforting to have like-minded people in the same room and the same environment because they know what you’re going through. It’s a safe, protected space to talk.”
It is normal to vent to our families, but that can be tiring for everyone living under the same roof. Support groups give patients an outlet and can take some of the pressure off of your other support systems. Although it’s important to have support at home from friends and family, being able to share your frustration, worries, and progress with people who can empathize with your situation is a relief and can keep you motivated along your weight loss journey.
Foothills Weight Loss Specialists offers four support groups per month. One in Maryville, and three in Knoxville. This October, they’ve added a new support group that takes place on the last Saturday of the month at Earth Fare in Turkey Creek. Because these meetings are on a Saturday morning, children and families are welcome. The support group features a monthly topic and group discussion.
If you are considering bariatric surgery, Foothills Weight Loss Specialists offers free bariatric information classes led by Foothills surgeons, Dr. Colquitt and Dr. Ray, two to three times per month at various locations in East Tennessee. To learn more about the procedures available, register to attend a free weight loss seminar class, or call our office at (865) 984-3413.