Post-Bariatric Support Group
From the “Do I have to go?” to the “I can’t wait until next month” attitude, feelings about bariatric support groups are as diverse as the groups themselves. At any one of the thousands of bariatric support group meetings held each month, you will find that those in attendance are there for different reasons, with different needs and doesn’t it make you wonder, “What is it that draws these people together? Why do they come?” Our experience with thousands of weight-loss surgery patients and hundreds of support groups has provided us some valuable insight into why people attend support groups, how they are benefiting and why those who are not attending should. Here are just a few of the benefits that we identified:
VALIDATION
From my own experience, I recall the weeks prior to my surgery were a time of great trepidation; a time full of questions. For instance, I remember thinking:
“Am I doing the right thing?”
“Will I be ok?”
“Will I succeed?”
“Is it worth the risk?”
As many do ask these questions and a bariatric support group can assist with finding not only answers to your practical questions, but also for validation for your decision to have weight-loss surgery. While each must find his or her answers to these questions and come to feel good about their choices, support groups can help provide insight, perspective and real-world experiences from those who have been there and now are able to share their perspective.
EDUCATION
Quality support groups (led by a licensed behavioral health provider) provide more than just social and emotional support. They provide a wonderful opportunity for learning. Some groups provide a more structured agenda, featuring scheduled topic presentations and discussions. Others enjoy participatory activities designed to reinforce key principles of success and help patients learn concepts sometimes difficult for lay people to grasp.
MOTIVATION
As weight-loss surgery patients, it can create a sense of separation, and sometimes can feel alone and misunderstood in the real world. It is so very important to surround yourself with people who understand your decision to have weight-loss surgery and what it is like to deal with the many physical, emotional and relationship changes that are experienced throughout your journey. Support groups are a place to find people who provide us with understanding, compassion and encouragement.
CELEBRATION
As pounds come off, health is restored and dreams come true. It is a wonderful thing to have an opportunity to share successes with others. Support groups provide just such a place. Whether formally or informally, comments like these abound: “I am half the woman I used to be!” “I can cross my legs!” “They didn’t even recognize me!”
What an exciting time for weight-loss surgery patients. Support groups provide patients a time to share their success; to have a moment in the sun, to be queen or king of the prom, to graduate, or to receive a personal recognition for their achievement with a pin, photo or certificate.
REDEDICATION
The first few years following weight-loss surgery are awesome, but there comes a time when we reach what I call, “the end of invincible.” It is not uncommon for patients to slip back into old habits, regain a few pounds and become discouraged. When and if that happens, support groups become an even more important connection to help stay focused, in control and successful. A monthly weigh-in or check-in at a support group meeting provides an important element of accountability and an opportunity to reconnect and rededicate ones self to long-term goals.
So, if you need to be educated, motivated, celebrated or rededicated, you will find it all at a quality support group meeting.
