If you're jumping into weight loss surgery to lose the excess weight, are you really ready to keep it off for life? 

Weight loss surgery is a comprehensive treatment that will affect every area of your life. From your daily diet to your exercise routine, a bariatric procedure will require significant changes in your lifestyle. If you’re determined to win the battle of the bulge, and are turning to weight loss surgery to reach your health goals, a commitment to a healthy lifestyle after surgery may be the key to long term success.   

Weight loss centers and bariatric clinics are now offering valuable resources for patients to help them maintain their results for life with support groups and networks for all patients. Weight loss surgery support groups are just one important resource that can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals and restructure your life after the drastic change. These groups can help patients connect with others, stay positive throughout treatment to maintain a healthier, happier lifestyle.   

Bariatric Surgery Today  

Successful bariatric procedures are on the rise, but long-term care is a part of the process. The number of bariatric procedures jumped from 13,386 in 1998 to 121,055 in 2004 according to ImmunoDefence.com. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that most of these were gastric bypass procedures, and both teens and adults in the 55-64 age group are heading to the doctor’s office to manage obesity.  

Because of the increasing demand for long-term care, many doctors are introducing post-surgery programs to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, keep up with a healthy eating program, and obtain supplements and access to therapy with ease. Weight loss support groups are one of the easiest ways for patients to find information and resources they need during the recovery and maintenance phases.  

Key Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Support Networks  

The University of Rochester Medical Center in New York states that ongoing support after weight loss surgery can lead to a higher rate of success with treatment. Most surgeons do recommend support groups both before and after surgery so that patients can address any issues and have their specific questions and concerns answered. They may also be able to develop relationships with their peers that can help them get through any difficulties along the way.  

While some doctors recommend their own weight loss support groups as part of their treatment program, others may offer suggestions on different networks available in your area, or online. Support groups can help with:  

• Developing a healthy perspective about change
• Setting realistic weight loss and maintenance goals
• Overcoming food issues and creating a healthy meal plan
• Addressing physical ailments and finding out where to find a doctor or specialist for the right treatment
• Managing changes in personal relationships
• Developing healthy coping skills to manage big life changes  

How Weight Loss Support Groups Work  

Weight loss support groups offer many benefits for bariatric patients, and may take place online, offline or as a combination of both settings. Online weight loss support groups are a convenient way for bariatric patients to communicate with other patients. Online forums, blogs, and discussion groups can help patients find industry-specific information, allow them to post insights and thoughts about their maintenance program, and even share before and after pictures with the weight loss community.   

More formal weight loss support groups may be run by coordinators and moderators from the bariatric surgeon’s office. These groups can also assist with the issues and experiences that bariatric patients face on a daily basis, discussing topics such as:  

• Nutrition
• Exercise and activities
• Social changes
• Body image
• Preventing weight gain cycles
• Skincare management
• Cosmetic enhancement options after surgery  

Patients who actively participate in weight loss support gropus may also be able to track down metnal health resources and psychotherapy professionals with ease. Simply being able to interact with professionals and experts can help manage many of the issues that bariatric patients must deal with on a day to day basis.  

If you’re considering weight loss surgery in the near future, consulting with a bariatric surgeon in your area can lead to a number of resources and opportunities to join a support group. Learn more about bariatric procedures in our information guide, or find a specialist in your area who can guide you through the process.