Bariatric surgery—or surgery of any kind—can introduce significant stress and anxiety as your body recovers from the trauma of such a transformative procedure. One essential way to support your healing journey is by ensuring you have a robust support system in place. This can help keep you motivated, maintain your mental well-being, and stay on track toward your health goals.
Building a Quality Support System
To succeed after bariatric surgery, it’s vital to surround yourself with people who fully support your transition. This includes family members and friends who encourage your healthy habits, such as taking medication, making smart food choices, and sticking to an exercise routine. It may also mean distancing yourself from individuals who enabled unhealthy habits before surgery.
According to the Obesity Action Coalition, maintaining relationships with supportive people is key to long-term success. These individuals should be willing to discuss your body changes openly, help ensure you take the proper medications, and promote healthy food choices (Obesity Action Coalition).
The Role of Support Groups in Bariatric Recovery
Many health professionals recommend joining a bariatric surgery support group to connect with people who have undergone similar experiences. According to Bariatric Surgery Source, individuals who regularly attend support groups lose 12% more excess weight on average and experience better mental health over time (Bariatric Surgery Source).
These groups serve several important functions:
- Education: They provide pre- and post-surgery guidance on nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
- Coping Mechanisms: Learn strategies for dealing with your changing body and managing relationships.
- Mental Health Support: These groups help address feelings of depression or anxiety related to drastic body changes.
Quality support groups are typically led by medical professionals and encourage open participation, allowing attendees to share their experiences in a positive and supportive environment. Regular meetings can help ensure ongoing accountability and provide a safe space for discussing your journey.
Getting Support at Work
Your work environment plays an essential role in your recovery and long-term success. According to the Obesity Action Coalition, it’s important to speak with your HR department to learn about available resources. This can include:
- Healthy food options at or around your workplace.
- Gym membership discounts or other health-related incentives provided by your employer.
Ensuring that your work environment supports your health goals can help you stay on track even during stressful workdays.
Nutritional Support After Surgery
In addition to emotional and physical support, maintaining proper nutrition is vital after bariatric surgery. A high-quality multivitamin is essential to ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients your body needs to heal and thrive. Vita4Life! Multivitamins offer the key vitamins and minerals required to support your post-surgery health.
Make Vita4Life! Multivitamins a regular part of your health regimen to support your body through this transformative journey and ensure long-term success.