It is a fact that patients are more likely to recover from any medical condition if they are supported by their peers and loved ones. Their will to persevere is driven by your encouragement and care. If someone around you or your loved one is going through surgery for weight loss in Long Island, you should go through the following pointers to help them.
Let’s Begin!
Weight Loss in Long Island- How to Assist the Patient?
Learn to listen
An obese patient will have faced judgement from society. After keeping their emotions and feelings to themselves, they would need someone to vent to. You can offer them suggestions if asked. Be sure to empathize rather than critique. There might never be an easy fix for their condition. Provide them with a safe space to share their concerns. Do note down their trigger points and phrases to keep your conversations impactful.
Educate yourself
When someone around you is struggling with their feelings and emotions, especially at such a monumental time in their life, it just might be uncomfortable for them to introduce you to the basics of their condition. It is better to educate yourself on what bariatric surgery is, its types, the possible risks and the most probable lifestyle changes. You will be able to have a more productive and healthy conversation with the patient.
Research and attend support groups
If the patient is your loved one, you should go to open evenings. Similar events such as support groups offer excellent learning opportunities to learn more on obesity surgery. You can learn a great deal through other people’s weight loss journey. Such first hand experiences can help you better understand your loved one’s emotions, struggles and future obstacles. You will also know more about the best bariatric surgeons such as Dr. David Buchin at Li Obesity.
Help them maintain their diet
The patient will be required to change their diet plan according to the doctor’s recommendation. Their daily intake will be planned, portioned and balanced in terms of nutrients. After the surgery, smaller meal portions will be encouraged to reduce stress on the stomach. The best way to transition is to introduce these practices into your daily eating habits.
Give emotional support
Obesity surgery is seemingly a choice but in reality, for most patients, there is no other way to treat their disease. They do naturally struggle with their decision at times. Changing minds and fluctuating emotions can cause anxiety. They may miss their food centered social gatherings, new year drinks or even their casual lifestyle.
Emotional support through such challenging times go a long way for the patient’s mental health. Your presence and encouragement is enough for them to build strength and keep moving forward towards a healthier, safer and longer life.
Celebrate small milestones
Many cultures celebrate occasions and milestones by centering them around food. You’d have to be more thoughtful for a loved one who has opted surgery for weight loss. Communicate and mutually decide creative ways to approach any anniversary. Spa days, memory and progress boards are a great way to start.
Now that we have gone over some of the ways in which you can help your loved one through their weight loss journey and bariatric surgery, let’s check out some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s life like after weight loss surgery?
Life post weight loss surgery is a different experience for everyone. Lifestyles are centered around staying healthy and fit. You’d feel less hunger and walking won’t be as taxing as it used to feel. Being able to do simple things like washing dishes and jogging in the morning won’t seem like impossible tasks.
- What do you say to someone who has bariatric surgery?
You should always be positive and encouraging towards someone who had bariatric surgery. Rather than saying, “you lost a lot of weight”, you can say that you’re happy that they’re happy with the surgery. Be mindful of your comments and phrasing to avoid misunderstandings.
- How do you tell someone that you have had weight loss surgery?
If you are personally fine telling someone, you can start the conversation on a causal note. You can answer any detailed questions according to your comfortability.
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