Learning how to support someone after bariatric surgery is important for your loved ones’ success. Support can take many forms such as weight loss encouragement, a helping hand or attending a free bariatric support group. Spatz has put together a pre and post-operation care manual for you and your loved one to answer any questions you may have.
Tips for supporting loved ones before bariatric surgery
Supporting pre-bariatric surgery is just as important as post-bariatric surgery. The decision to undergo this surgery was likely not done lightly. It is a life-changing procedure – sometimes your loved ones will require more than just moral support. Here are some practical ways to support your loved ones as they prepare for surgery:
Become Dedicated To Getting Educated
Bariatric surgery doesn’t only concern the patient; it also concerns you. Become dedicated to educating yourself about the procedure. Offer to accompany them to medical appointments, where you can ask further questions if necessary. Inquire about the different types of bariatric surgery available and how each procedure is performed. Attend any pre-op education sessions that will allow you to inform yourself even further. Not only are you offering support before the surgery but you’re laying the foundations for post-op care.
Open And Honest Communication
Preparing for bariatric surgery involves many changes, and some of these can be overwhelming. Listen to their reasoning for choosing to undergo surgery and discover how they are feeling. It’s likely that they’re anxious about the upcoming procedure. Oftentimes, people simply need a listening ear to bounce their thoughts, concerns and goals at. Communication should be open, without any undertones of judgement or disrespect.
Explore All Options
Exploring all avenues is important before making any concrete decision. For example, Spatz3 offers a unique, non-surgical alternative to traditional bariatric surgery. Each gastric balloon procedure is done endoscopically, non-invasively and in less than 15 minutes. Unlike other gastric balloon options, Spatz3 can be adjusted to enhance weight loss and comfort.
They help create life-changing habits, without irreversibly altering anything else.
Assist with planning and preparation
Preparation is essential for a smooth surgery and recovery. Help your loved one create a pre-surgery checklist, including dietary adjustments, setting up a comfortable post-op recovery space, and arranging transportation. Simple organizational skills can alleviate their stress tenfold.
Tips to support your loved ones after bariatric surgery
Support and understanding become even more essential after bariatric surgery. Emotional, practical and moral support play a key role in helping your loved one recover. Here’s how you can assist them in building a healthier lifestyle post-surgery:
Help Form Healthier Habits
Adopting new eating habits and an active lifestyle can be challenging but essential after bariatric surgery. It’s never easy going it alone and extending a helping hand will be appreciated. Changing engrained patterns is hard but it can be broken down into smaller steps.
- Help with meal prep: Planning and preparing meals together helps take the pressure off your loved one. Find a healthier, low-calorie version of their favourite meal. Batch cook meals in appropriate-sized portions.
- Remove any junk food: Out of sight, out of mind. Getting rid of any tempting snacks can prevent falling into old patterns or maladaptive habits.
- Mindful eating: Taking the time to chew, savour and mindfully eat meals helps avoid overeating. Discuss how their eating habits will have to change and discover how incorporating mindful eating can be quite useful.
Join them in these changes, whether it’s cooking balanced meals together or planning regular physical activities. Showing your support through shared commitment can encourage weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.
Small Victories Are Big Improvements
Healthy and sustainable weight-loss journeys are not designed to be a sprint. They take time, effort and motivation. Be it a new recipe or a new activity, celebrating any change to a lifelong habit is a step in the right direction! This helps momentum and avoid gaining weight after losing it.
Enter this journey with the knowledge that there will be ups and downs. Some days might be more challenging than others. Focusing on the positive – no matter how small – is never insignificant and is of great help to your loved one.
Introduce Them To Bariatric Groups
Joining a community can provide much-needed encouragement and guidance. Bariatric support groups offer shared experiences, expert advice, and a place to discuss challenges. Look into bariatric surgery support groups online or local meetings together so they can find the best fit for their needs.
Bariatric Support Groups
Bariatric support groups play a pivotal role in the weight-loss journey. They are spaces that provide education and motivation for patients. Such groups fill patients’ toolkits with practical advice for weight management and tips to navigate life post-surgery.
They are incredibly diverse, featuring patients at the beginning, middle and end of their journey. Attendees range from healthcare professionals, to pre and post-op patients or long-time attendees. Sessions are packed with information, making it ideal for those who are seeking to learn more or weighing up their options. Bariatric support groups may include group discussions, educational sessions, guest speakers, and special activities that cover a wide range of topics. Some groups meet in person, while bariatric surgery support groups online make it easy for members to connect from anywhere.
Why Are Support Groups Important?
Support groups are important for encouragement and long-term weight management. Weight regain can be common after 2 -3 years and motivation can wane. Support groups not only provide expert advice and real-life experiences but also help hold people accountable. Here are some of the main benefits of attending support groups:
- Staying motivated: Weight loss encouragement is key for long-term success. Inspiration and weight-loss motivation can be found by sharing experiences and goals. A positive correlation between attendance of support groups and the percentage of weight loss has been found.
- Accountability: Regular meetings or online check-ins help members stay accountable to their goals and each other. Additionally, it can serve as a renewal of commitment for those who have become stagnated in their journey. It’s not only support groups that are valuable; group exercise classes have multiple benefits for weight loss.
- Finding a sense of belonging: Experiencing the ups and downs of weight loss can be isolating. If no one in your immediate circle is faced with the same issue, it can be alienating and frustrating. Connecting with others in similar situations builds a sense of community and helps combat these feelings together.
The Importance Of Being There
Learning how to support someone after bariatric surgery is an integral part of the journey. Showing your family member or spouse support after bariatric surgery can take many shapes. It involves educating oneself, empathy and being open to discussing alternative options such as gastric balloons. Choosing to undergo bariatric surgery requires careful consideration, and your loved one will need help to overcome any hurdles.
