Get the WLS Support You Need to Succeed

December 29, 2016

Making the decision to have weight loss surgery usually does not come easy. For most weight loss surgery patients, efforts of dieting, losing and gaining weight and questioning the procedure itself may have taken years before they ever reach the O.R.

Unlike other types of surgery, bariatric surgery is still considered "elective." By the very nature of the word, it makes one feel as though they have a choice. However, for many of us, we believe that we do not have a choice. Without bariatric surgery, our lives would be shortened or, at the very least, our health would decline faster than if we were at a healthy weight.

Obesity is finally being recognized by the America Medical Association as a disease and yet, surgical treatment for obesity is still allowed to be excluded by insurance, and it is often surrounded by judgment from medical professionals and society in general.

This environment makes support essential for those of us who struggle with obesity and make the choice to have bariatric surgery. In a sea of opposing opinions, surrounding yourself with like-minded people can give you valuable information, camaraderie and the confidence you are searching for.

In seeking support, it is important to distinguish between the types that are available.

1. Peer
2. Bariatric Center/ Medical Facility
3. Online
4. Obesity Organizations

Peer Support

The members and leaders are peers that have also had bariatric surgery. Typically, there are no (or maybe a few) medical professionals involved.

This type of group is excellent for patients to join and discuss experiences. It is best not to engage in advising about medical issues or taking medical advice from this type of group. Always reach out to your medical professional, registered dietician, bariatric surgeon or certified support leader for medical questions regarding your surgery. You can start your own peer meeting with other patients you may find online or from your doctor’s meetings. You can meet in each other’s homes, libraries or even coffee shop settings.

Bariatric Center/ Medical Facility Support

In this group, the facility has scheduled times and topics for support meetings. Normally these meetings are led by a medical professional or certified leaders to answer and lead the discussion. Many times the topics include guest speakers such as registered dieticians, fitness experts or plastic surgeons. Patients are encouraged to join in, ask questions and share their experiences, in a clinical setting.

This is different than peer meetings, where a more personal conversation is encouraged. Early post-op folks can get a great handle on their progress at these meetings. This is also a good time for the leaders to see any red flags. I have seen many centers require attendance to these meetings pre and post-op to ensure a better surgical outcome.

Online Support

This type of support is varied but can be especially beneficial for those unable to attend a group in person. The groups can be a good source of info, and just like all things on the Internet, one must verify the source and who is sharing the information.

There are many pseudo-experts in the area of weight loss, bariatrics, and fitness. It is important to clearly define an opinion from fact. Some websites offer medical professionals to answer general questions. While other websites are focused on patient experience and friendship, they should never replace the advice or care of your medical doctor. Many friends and groups have grown into great alliances and organizations from online sources. With your interactions online, be selective and go easy on each other. Remember we are all on a journey....

Obesity Organizational Support

This type of support is a fun way to meet people from all over the world. They typically hold annual events and include speakers, educational sessions and socializing.

OAC Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness and advocacy for obesity and obesity-related diseases.

ObesityHelp (OH) is an online network for education and support, and holds annual conferences for people who have connected online to meet, learn and share.

Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA) is a non-profit that holds an annual event as well as chapter events to raise funds for weight loss surgery and reconstruction surgery.

Check out these organizations and consider attending one or all of these unique support experiences.

These are the most common types of support that one can be part of. With all these options, remember that support is as individual as you are. Each person’s support needs differ based on their specific situations. Some patients have family members who have gone through the process, this can be good, and it can also make a journey difficult, especially if those members have developed bad habits, or have had weight gain. Even successful patients can be over-bearing and over-helpful.

Your medical facility may have a leader you do not connect with. When I led meetings, I often told patients that if this meeting wasn't meeting their needs, find another one that would. No one can meet everyone's needs. Support leaders are like tea; some are like Chamomile and others are like Red Zinger, find the cup of tea, that fits your needs. Support is a specific area of your journey that you can choose and make a decision that is right just for you.

Be open-minded when selecting your support. Be patient and remember that even when you think they are not that helpful, you may find the info useful at another part of your journey. Stay clear of any groups that promote unhealthy habits that can sabotage your efforts.

Above all, keep in mind that attending support meetings have been proven in numerous studies to increase the success and amount of weight lost as well as maintained weight loss. Those statistics are worth sticking it out and finding what works best for you.

Enjoy the process of discovering the types of support that supports you the best!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rain Hampton is a board credentialed Health and Wellness coach, certified bariatric support leader and motivational speaker. Rain has facilitated support for patients of Dr. Charles Callery and other bariatric centers fighting obesity. Rain was featured as the cover story of OH magazine, Winter 2012 issue and was a panelist at the 2016 ObesityHelp National Conference in California. Read more articles from Rain!

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