Since metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has become one of the trendy fields in medicine nowadays, many people are turning to this surgical weight loss tool. MBS can support long-term results and overall health. Surgery can be life changing and the last thing you want to do is go through your weight loss journey alone. That is why bariatric support groups are such a blessing. What This Article Covers: How Can Bariatric Support Groups and Bariatric Forums Help You? Different Bariatric Support Groups COVID-19 How Can Bariatric Support Groups and Bariatric Forums Help You? When deciding to take a huge step, such as going for weight loss surgery, a support system is essential for long-term success. It can be beneficial to get support through fellow bariatric patients or those who play a role in your weight loss success, such as the surgeons and dietitians in weight loss surgery clinics. This will help you to understand the different types surgical options, the benefits of the surgery, and which surgery will suit you best. Moreover, through various bariatric forums, you’ll be connected with people who have had weight loss surgery and people who are thinking about having it. Some of these groups can be incredibly thorough and diligent about the information they are dishing out. For instance, you’ll find that a bariatric chat room might have specific dates for particular sub-topics so that you can learn about every aspect in detail. It can also offer visuals, presentations, or even talks from professionals and surgical patients. All of that will help you understand the dynamics of metabolic and bariatric surgery. These bariatric support groups help you during the three stages of surgery, and we’ll discuss in detail how they do that. Pre-Operative You need to know more about the happenings of surgery itself and what to expect afterward in general terms. You can reach out to other patients and surgeons through different bariatric forums or even bariatric surgery apps that offer support groups or patient journals within them. These outlets can provide information about the barriers you may face. Plus, you can speak to more than just one patient and more than one surgeon. This way you get a much bigger picture and understanding of metabolic and bariatric surgery. You’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not you qualify for it. Post-Operative As for the post-operative phase, a support system is going to be your number one motivator. For those who have struggled with body image, any change will be exceptionally noticeable. Having others recognize your effort and applaud you for it can make a world of difference in your progress mentally and physically. Celebrate your achievements and milestones, even if they are little. In the months after surgery, the body will experience some weight stalls or weight plateaus. This is a defense mechanism in order to support healthy organ function by preserving some fat stores as a "cushion." Some barriers, such as a weight stall, can lead to extreme levels of frustration and anger. Your weight loss success will rely on how you motivate yourself to push through those barriers. There are some changes that you need to adapt to after surgery, and those include adequate water and protein intake in order to support muscle maintenance as your caloric intake is restricted. Last but not least, you will be recommended a lifelong bariatric multivitamin to support your diet and nutritional intake.* Support groups can provide a reminder and encouragement to keep up with these life changes. In the Long Run Typically after a year, most patients who have undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery manage to reach their goal weight. As a matter of fact, during the first six months after surgery, some people manage to lose half of their body weight. However, after reaching your goal weight, it’s easy to revert back to old habits such as low water intake, prioritizing carbohydrates over proteins, and skipping constant exercise. These habits can lead to weight regain. Additionally, low water and protein intake can lead to dehydration and muscle deterioration. In the long run, following a support group for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients will help remind you of why you chose surgery in the first place, how hard it was, and everything you went through to reach your optimal weight. Abiding by a healthier lifestyle doesn't have to be hard. As long as you put a focus on protein and water intake first, you will still be able to eat some of the foods you like. With a balanced diet, you can still have carbohydrates and healthy fats, such as fruits, vegetables, olive oils and whole grains. Moderation and portion control will be your new best friend. Having the support and encouragement of individuals from any bariatric support group that you trust will help you stay on the right path. Also consider checking: Bariatric Seminar Different Bariatric Support Groups We already know that there are several types of metabolic and bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, which are the most common types. If you already have knowledge on the surgery itself, you can still be involved in groups for support and encouragement. Attending gastric bypass support groups or gastric sleeve support groups can keep you focused on what you want. COVID-19 Unfortunately, COVID-19 put an end to most in-person meetings. However, we have opened the door to the virtual world of support groups and telehealth. You can now find interactive bariatric surgery support groups online. As we’ve discussed before, they can split into specific groups for each surgery. So, you can find gastric sleeve support groups online and gastric bypass support groups online. Conclusion Nonetheless, some people can manage to shed the weight without surgery, while others may need metabolic and bariatric surgery as a weight loss tool. Both options require support and encouragement throughout the journey. The support can come from family, friends, healthcare providers, and fellow patients. Utilize the resources available to you. Don't let excuses and barriers get in your way of success. Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking: Bariatric Resources Gastric Bypass Forum Gastric Bypass Facts What Pain Medication Can You Take After Gastric Bypass Multivitamins For Bariatric Patients What To Buy Before Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery Hospital Checklist Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Sleep Apnea And Bariatric Surgery Weight Requirement For Gastric Bypass Where Can I Get Gastric Bypass Surgery Recovery After Gastric Bypass Surgery Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost How To Restart Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass How Much Weight Loss To Expect With A Gastric Bypass *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.