Bariatric Support Systems
Are you just beginning to think about surgery, or have you recently embarked? Finding your support system is KEY to success.
I recently recorded a podcast episode with my crew over at Road to Discovery Podcast about this exact topic (you can listen to it here). We all had very different experiences and ideas of what our support system after surgery looked like, and you may find some of what we talk about resonates with you.
First, who are you planning on telling? Are you shouting it loud to the world that Bariatric surgery helped you? Or are you preferring to keep it private? Both are 100% valid and amazing. This is YOUR journey, and what works for someone else may not work for you. But, having someone in your corner, on your side, is what will help ensure your success.
Support can come from many different avenues. Many people only tell their close family or friends. Some tell their wider circles. Some only have their spouse, or parent involved. Some have only their surgeon office. And some have their online bariatric community as support. Many of us have a combination of things.
I’m grateful that my spouse, mother, step-father, in-laws, and close friends all have 100% supported my journey. Sure, there were concerns at the beginning about regain, and having major surgery. But most of them had seen how dark, depressed, and hopeless I’d gotten after years of dieting without success. So when I showed them my research and my game plan, they were all on board with me living a healthier and happier life. Many of them are now ecstatic to be able to go do things with me that we couldn’t do previously! I love it.
The bariatric community online has been SO important to my own journey, especially on Instagram. I’ve somehow managed to gain many followers, but my favorite thing is the individuals that I’ve managed to connect with! Meeting and finding local bariatric patients has also been amazing! I love helping others on their journey, even if it is just one kind, supportive message in their inbox.
The internet can be a scary place, and some parts of it can be toxic (*cough cough* Facebooks Bariatric Groups *cough cough*). There will always be trolls and bullies, but there are also nuggets of gold among the filth and they are WORTH mining for! Finding your tribe, people you vibe with, people who become your hype squad, THAT’S what’s important. Whether that’s your family, friends, internet friends (we’re real too), therapist, or surgeon’s office, find someone out there to give you the support you need. This journey is hard enough. Don’t isolate yourself while doing it! Reach out!
However and wherever you choose to seek support after bariatric surgery, just know that there are those of us out here rooting for you, wanting you to succeed, and wishing you the absolute best!
