Treatment
For those who have tried everything and have still been unable to lose weight and keep it off, surgery may become another option. Bariatric surgery offers not just a change, but a lifelong commitment to better health. This option differs from other more conventional means of weight loss in its implications for the patient and also for their loved ones. I have gathered some advice I’ve gathered and things to think about for those who have, or are supporting someone who has, chosen to undergo bariatric surgery. It might be helpful to discuss these points with anyone helping you with your journey:
- Join a support group. Your ability to lose weight and maintain weight loss go up tremendously. For family members, be supportive of this and encourage continued participation. The kind of support group that is most beneficial may change over time.
- The changes made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be followed for successful weight loss in your life after bariatric surgery. Evaluate the role that food has played across your life and the extent with which your food consumption has been or is driven by things other than hunger. If needed, psycho-education or psychotherapy may help build skills in one’s capacity for mindful eating and maintenance of this new lifelong diet.
- For your safety, it is critical that post-surgical dietary guidelines are closely followed. Current and past compliance with medical treatment, obesity-related or otherwise, and adherence to self-management regimens are indicators of one’s potential attitude toward post-surgical guidelines. If your current compliance or adherence is low, you may want to discuss how you will be able to successfully follow these strict post-surgery guidelines with your doctor and caretakers.
- What are ways you can manage your stress in healthy ways after surgery? Consider and evaluate your current coping strategies as well as new ones. Do you feel comfortable asking others for help when you need it? Share your thoughts and discuss your plans for this lifelong diet with those who are close to you or who you often eat with.
- There is risk of possible relapse during the immediate and long-term post operative phases. Make a plan of how to meaningfully address these issues should they occur, including both professional and interpersonal support.
- For supporters, this is going to be a challenging time for the individual both physically and emotionally. Continue to engage in a policy of openness and honesty in how you are both doing and give them space if and when they need it.
I encourage anyone to post questions, responses, or add to my list of advice. Thank you!
(For more information, please go to http://www.obesityhelp.com. This advice is by no means comprehensive, nor is it meant to substitute any medical advice you receive from your doctor for post-operation guidelines.)
- Join a support group. Your ability to lose weight and maintain weight loss go up tremendously. For family members, be supportive of this and encourage continued participation. The kind of support group that is most beneficial may change over time.
- The changes made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be followed for successful weight loss in your life after bariatric surgery. Evaluate the role that food has played across your life and the extent with which your food consumption has been or is driven by things other than hunger. If needed, psycho-education or psychotherapy may help build skills in one’s capacity for mindful eating and maintenance of this new lifelong diet.
- For your safety, it is critical that post-surgical dietary guidelines are closely followed. Current and past compliance with medical treatment, obesity-related or otherwise, and adherence to self-management regimens are indicators of one’s potential attitude toward post-surgical guidelines. If your current compliance or adherence is low, you may want to discuss how you will be able to successfully follow these strict post-surgery guidelines with your doctor and caretakers.
- What are ways you can manage your stress in healthy ways after surgery? Consider and evaluate your current coping strategies as well as new ones. Do you feel comfortable asking others for help when you need it? Share your thoughts and discuss your plans for this lifelong diet with those who are close to you or who you often eat with.
- There is risk of possible relapse during the immediate and long-term post operative phases. Make a plan of how to meaningfully address these issues should they occur, including both professional and interpersonal support.
- For supporters, this is going to be a challenging time for the individual both physically and emotionally. Continue to engage in a policy of openness and honesty in how you are both doing and give them space if and when they need it.
I encourage anyone to post questions, responses, or add to my list of advice. Thank you!
(For more information, please go to http://www.obesityhelp.com. This advice is by no means comprehensive, nor is it meant to substitute any medical advice you receive from your doctor for post-operation guidelines.)