Losing weight can be an emotional journey, regardless of whether you’ve opted for bariatric surgery or dieting and exercise. That is why it is necessary to make sure you get the necessary support. In fact, support is considered to be an integral part of the weight-loss process.

When you opt for a weight-loss procedure, you are committing to a goal. To achieve success, it is important that you have help from experts who can give you all the knowledge you need. Spending time with those who know what you’re going through can have a very positive impact in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately, not all facilities offer support for patients of bariatric surgery. Some might offer limited support, while others might offer none at all. Fortunately, at Smart Dimensions™, we offer this form of support as part of the entire package.

Choosing the right support group is very important, as it will ensure that you stay on track. Therefore, carrying out research prior to choosing your support group is advisable.

A group that offers extensive support will work with you even before you undergo the procedure and will stay to help you afterwards. There are also online support groups, where you can share and discuss your concerns.

More Than Just Support

Being part of a weight-loss-surgery support group has more than just the usual benefits. One major benefit, according to certain studies, is that people actually lose weight. In fact, they can lose up to almost 12% more weight than patients who do not join a support group.

Identifying a Good Support Group

There are a few key qualities that can help you identify a good support group. We’ve listed those qualities here:

  • These support groups must be moderated by a medical professional. A medical professional could be a doctor, bariatric nurse, nutritionist, dietitian, or mental health counselor. It is best to avoid joining a support that does not have a medical professional as a moderator. You are likely to be given erroneous medical advice.
  • The group must schedule meetings regularly. Good groups have a calendar and they often stick with it. For example, they may meet on a particular day every month or every week.
  • They will also encourage participation. They will make sure that all participants are involved and not just a few members. Also, these groups are likely to have skilled moderators who can convince everyone to speak up.
  • Positivity is a key theme among good support groups. Discussing challenges and problems is usually a key area of focus in every meeting, but it won’t be getting the most attention. The moderator will ensure that the overall objective of the meeting is to find solutions and focus on the positive.

Contact Our Office

To find out more about our weight-loss-surgery support groups, talk to well-respected surgeon. The doctor will be happy to help you find the right group for you, along with the right weight-loss option, during a consultation. To schedule your consultation, contact our office.