Having Support after Weight Loss Surgery is Important to Staying Healthy

Statistics show that more than 1 in 20 Americans who are considered extremely obese are candidates for weight loss surgery. A study from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) found that the number of bariatric procedures has increased annually in the U.S. since they began in the early 1990s. The largest increase came in 2003, with 103,200 surgeries – a 64% increase from 2002. According to the most recent data available from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, by 2009, 220,000 procedures had been performed.

With improvements in techniques, research and recovery surrounding these procedures, surgeons are not only recommending what and how patients eat or how to properly care for wounds after weight loss surgery. Now, doctors are also emphasizing an essential part of being healthy after surgery is the need for a patient support system.

Support at Home

According to the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), family members must be prepared to help their loved one keep the commitment to staying healthy.

This can include:

• Listening if the patient needs to talk about the changes in his or her body
• Making sure that the patient is taking all medication properly and consistently
• Providing access to healthy snacks and meals
• Supporting a new exercise routine
• Taking the patient to doctor’s visits and helping him or her keep track of their weight loss journey

Support at Work

Support for patient recovery after weight loss surgery should continue in the workplace. The OAC suggests that employers should not only provide obesity prevention programs, but also should provide access to treatment options. Ask your company’s human resources department to see if your employer offers:

• Availability of healthier food choices at work
• Discounted gym and health club memberships
• Incentive programs to stay healthy

It is always best to bring your own lunch to work if healthy food choices aren’t available.

Support Groups

Sometimes someone who has experienced weight loss surgery can be best understood by someone else who has had the surgery and is on a similar weight loss journey. The OAC recommends patients seek help through:

• Education – Attending meetings with structured agendas and topics can provide you with information and resources that you may not have known about. Topics and speakers might include dating, cooking, grooming, dietitians, psychologists and fitness instructors.
• Motivation – It can be comforting to meet and be encouraged by people in similar situations. You can also hold each other accountable, steering clear of old habits and looking forward to your new lifestyle.
• Validation – Meeting other people who have had weight loss surgery and hearing their experiences can help you to reassure yourself that you are doing the right thing and making the right choices.

Staying healthy after weight loss surgery extends to every area of your life. Be sure to find the support you need in all areas of your life to help ensure your success.

For more information about weight loss surgery support, talk with your physician or visit https://www.premierphysiciannet.com/Premier-Metabolic-and-Bariatric-Associates/Home/ to find a physician.