Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery News and Info

Friends – Friends will often either be for the surgery or against the surgery. Overweight friends may have mixed feelings about your weight loss. They may be happy for you, but your weight loss may make them feel worse about themselves. Preparing yourself for a wide range of responses to your weight loss may be the best thing you can do as the leader of your support group team. Be prepared to accept that friendships may flourish or may wither. Look for opportunities to develop new supportive friendships. Choose to surround yourself with those people who are positive and support your efforts to improve your health.

Download On Track with Barix: Developing a Support Group Team

Co-workers – Most people spend a large portion of their time at work. This is an important place to either gather support or build up a strong healthy eating strategy solo. You’ve probably already assessed your co-workers and know if they are going to be good supporters or negative nellies. If you’ve got some folks in your workplace that will support your efforts and rejoice in your successes, by all means, educate them on your surgery and ask for their help. For the others, it is totally your call on who you decide to inform of your surgery. A simple, “I’ve cut down on portions sizes and increased my exercise,” is a good response to the question, “How you are losing weight?” Make sure you have a good plan in place to avoid workplace hazards—donuts in the breakroom, candy on a co-worker’s desk, less-than-healthy vending or cafeteria food, and the daily lunch delivery.

Download On Track with Barix:  Developing a Support Group Team

Children – Children living in the home can have significant benefits from your weight loss surgery—healthier food options and an active role-model positively impacting their lifestyle habits now and for years to come. They may not appreciate those benefits—at least not right away, although if you approach the changes in a positive way, you may get more cooperation. For example, explain that you will be able to participate in more of their activities as weight loss typically provides a surge of energy and fewer aches and pains. Provide them with as much detail as possible for specific things they can do to help you.  Perhaps plan a family trip that you’ve been delaying as a reward to all of you for your new healthy behaviors.

Download On Track with Barix: Developing a Support Group Team