The Benefits of Support After LAP-BAND Weight Loss Surgery

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 10:43

Going through the process of LAP-BAND weight loss surgery can be difficult and very trying. Because most patients never have the lap band removed, they must create life-long changes.  Most patients are successful if they have continued encouragement from a variety of sources. Below are some examples of how these sources can help you stay successful and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Spouse/Partner

This is a major source of support, mostly because your partner will not only provide emotional support, but also may help out financially, especially if you are married or have shared accounts. If your partner has any doubts or hesitations before the surgery, make sure that you talk them over and ask any questions of your surgeon or LAP-BAND consultant. Making sure your spouse is comfortable with the process will be of great help when you are going through the surgery and recovering.

Family

If you have young children in your household, make sure they understand the basics of the procedure and its effects. This will help them understand your new eating and exercise patterns and how things may run differently in your household from now on. Encourage children to exercise with you (walk with them, or let them do a work-out DVD with you) and help you make a healthy dinner for the family. They will feel included and in turn provide support.

For extended family like parents, siblings, and cousins, it is your personal choice as to whether or not you choose to let them know about the surgery. For many, the more support from family, the better! However, this is a personal choice. If you do decide to tell them, make sure they know the basics and anything they can do to help you succeed. This may include not pressuring you to go for seconds at Thanksgiving dinner or calling weekly to check in on your progress.

Friends

Close friends are a great source of support, as they usually know firsthand your struggles with weight and your willingness to change. Friends can become exercise buddies or people to call when you are really craving a milkshake but know you can't have it. Because many of your friends may have weight loss struggles of their own, they may also be able to empathize with finding the motivation to choose healthy food and sticking to an exercise plan. Finding friends who have had the LAP-BAND weight loss surgery can also be a great resource because they know what you are going through. Seeing their success can also be a great motivator.

Professional Support

Many LAP-BAND weight loss surgery clinics may be able to provide counseling services or refer you to a physician, counselor, or therapist that can provide professional support after your surgery procedure. Speaking with outsiders who have a medical or psychology background may be a great help because they are not personally involved in your everyday life. They may also be able to provide additional resources that will help you adjust to your new lifestyle. Other examples of professional support after a LAP-BAND surgery include a dietitian or personal trainer.

Online Forums

Receiving support and answers to your questions online is a convenient, easy, and free way to gain continued support. NewHope Bariatrics provides an online forum that allows patients who have undergone or are contemplating LAP-BAND weight loss surgery to come together and discuss related issues. Answers and advice from fellow patients online can be a helpful and confidential way to learn more about life with the LAP-BAND. Besides NewHope Bariatrics' online forum, forums such as lapbandtalk.com, band2gether.net, and mylapbandexperience.com are also available.

Finding various avenues of support can help you deal with any difficult and unexpected results from your LAP-BAND surgery and ensure continued success with your new way of life.