During an argument, have you ever heard someone say, “Give me one good reason” in hopes that their resistance to doing something will be upheld by the nonexistence of rationale? When it comes to attending bariatric support group, we don’t have just one good reason why you should attend…we have several!
Some people discover after surgery that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise aren’t enough to lose weight and keep it off. These individuals go “searching” for the missing link in hopes of meeting their weight loss goals. Often, the missing link involves support and connection with others who have travelled the same road and are experiencing the same trials. For those in search, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow can often be found by attending a support group. Here are some of the many reasons why you should attend:
·Surround yourself with weight loss veterans: Get advice from those who have gone before you, including tips on what works (and what doesn’t) and hear success stories (and not-so-successful stories that turned out to be learning experiences).
·Receive education: Hear from surgeons, nurses, dietitians, and other professionals as they present a new and exciting topic each month that is specially designed just for you!
·Get back on track: One of the main reason patients get off track is the loss of motivation. Attending support group reminds you of why you started your journey and helps you realize that you aren’t in this alone.
·Connect with others like you: Those who’ve undergone weight loss surgery are a community of their own…a type of family, so to speak. Connecting with others who understand your journey can lead to the formation of lifelong friendships.
·Give back to others: Although you may not realize it, your presence at support group may be just what another person needs to overcome their own obstacles. Perhaps hearing you share your own story or the advice that you have based on your own series of trial and error will resonate with another attendee.
If you’ve never attended a bariatric surgery support group, you don’t know what you’re missing. To quote another popular phrase…”don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” Research indicates that those who attend support group after surgery lose more weight and have greater success keeping it off. We hope to see you at our next monthly support group meeting so that you can see for yourself that there are many good reasons to attend. Support group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7 pm in the lobby of SC Obesity Surgery Center (Lexington Medical Park 2, 4th floor). Check the SC Obesity Surgery Center Facebook page for updates and reminders!
Questions or concerns?