Weight loss surgery can bring a lot of healthy changes into your life. As you adjust your lifestyle to fit your post-bariatric guidelines, the way you think about food, how you eat and your activity levels can all change for the better. However, these changes don’t always come easily or naturally. Change can be stressful and maintaining weight loss goals can be challenging as you try to adjust your way of life. Mental and physical support can be a great tool to guide you as you attempt to incorporate healthy choices into your routine.

What is a Weight Loss Support Group?

A weight loss support group is a gathering of people who come together to share their common interests in losing weight. The members may be assigned certain times and meeting places or they may meet in homes, at work or elsewhere.

Weight loss support groups provide a forum for participants to share their common experiences and encourage each other as they attempt to change unhealthy behaviors. Members may try new weight loss strategies recommended by other members, learn from others’ mistakes and feel less isolated in their quest to lose weight. Supporting one another is a crucial aspect of these groups.

Reasons Someone Might Join One

Some people may join weight loss support groups in order to share their experiences with others who are struggling with similar problems. Some people may simply feel more comfortable discussing their struggles within the context of a group rather than one-on-one. Other reasons to join a weight loss support group are:

• Hearing different perspectives from others on the issues you are experiencing
• Gaining insight on the obstacles that may be ahead
• Getting to listen to the challenges others are facing
• Finding comfort in knowing you aren’t alone

Benefits of a Weight Loss Support Group

Weight loss support group members report experiencing more benefits from their weight loss than those who try to lose weight on their own. These benefits include:

• Being healthier
• Having more energy
• Education on diet and exercise recommendations
• Less chances to slip back into bad/old habits
• Motivation to make long lasting lifestyle changes
• Celebrations of success

Participants also enjoy the support and friendship that naturally develops among group members.

Support group benefits don’t only include physical changes resulting from achieving or maintaining a healthier weight, but also mental and emotional changes as well. Participants discover that they are not alone in their struggles with food, weight and body image. Connecting with others who share similar concerns helps members feel less isolated, which can have a positive impact on self-esteem, increasing confidence and helping members feel attractive.

ALA’s Dedicated Postoperative Program

At Advanced Laparoscopic Associates we recognize that your needs extend beyond once the surgical procedure is completed. That’s why we offer a comprehensive aftercare program that offers the support and encouragement you need to hit your long-term goals and create lasting lifestyle changes.

Besides offering:

• Routine follow-up appointments
• Customized individual eating plans
• Complimentary dietician support
• Ongoing lab work, including vitamin level analysis
• Education on diet, exercise and supplements
• Access to psychological support
• Access to our Bariatric Rehabilitation Program

ALA also offers monthly bariatric support group meetings to give you the support you need.

To get more information about weight loss surgery or to find out more about our extensive aftercare program, call Advanced Laparoscopic Associates to schedule an appointment today.