Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery News and Info

Parents – The emotional attachment of a parent to a child may reduce their ability to have a non-emotional assessment of the risks versus the benefits of weight loss surgery, even if the evidence is overwhelmingly positive, as it is for most considering surgery. Parents may also harbor some feelings of guilt—that they had a hand in creating your excess weight. They may be slow to come on board, but parents can be your biggest supporters once they understand the benefits that the surgery can provide.

Download On Track with Barix:  Developing a Support Team

Spouse/Significant Other — Spouses and significant others can have the most to gain or lose from your weight loss surgery. Your spouse may be 100% supportive and enjoy the journey right by your side. This happens when they don’t feel threatened by the physical changes and the often increased confidence that shines through as your excess weight disappears. Their support is apparent as they are willing to change household foods and may even surprise you with a new elliptical to make your exercise routine easier. This relationship will most likely strengthen with the changes that weight loss surgery often brings.

Other spouses may fear your improved appearance and confidence. They may love you the way that you are and interpret the positive changes in you as a rejection of them. They may not welcome new work or social opportunities that become available to you. Providing open communication and reassurances may be helpful. Do be aware that some spouses will attempt to sabotage your efforts in an effort to keep the status quo. Working with a trained therapist individually or as a couple may help to overcome these struggles.

Download On Track with Barix:  Developing a Support Group Team

Members of Your Team

Yourself  – You are the most important member of your support team. Keeping yourself mentally and physically in the game is essential for long-term success. Success is up to you–no one can do the work for you…and no one can take away the work that you do. That is why you are the leader of your team. To be a strong support leader:

• Find ways to stay positive, even through challenges.
• Follow your bariatric surgery team’s recommendations and ask for help if you are not reaching goals.
• Be accountable to yourself or a member of your support team.
• Realize that you will need to work to have a healthy weight for the rest of your life, but you are worth the efforts and improvements in your health and wellbeing.
• Make the effort to develop stress management and healthy coping skills before you need them.
• When you hit a bump in the road, learn from it and get back on track quickly.
• Surround yourself with positive people who are willing to be on your team and support you in your efforts.

Download On Track with Barix: Developing a Support Group Team