Pre and Post Bariatric Surgery
Behavior Modification Therapy
Many people decide that surgery is necessary for their weight loss journey, for a variety of reasons. It is a hard decision to make, and despite the stigma, is by no means the easy way out. People chose bariatric surgery for a wide variety of reasons. For me, my why was simple. I didn’t want to just exist anymore. I wanted to live. To do that, I needed the help and push of a sleeve gastrectomy.
My journey is not the same as anyone else’s and that is the beauty of it. Everyone’s journey is unique and personal, which allows us to focus on our own why. I can help you, not only by sharing my journey but by walking with you, side by side, on your journey as you take your life back.
Patients require hard work both before and after weight loss surgery in order to instill life-long behavioral change and successfully maintain weight loss. Unhealthy habits evolve over many years and therefore do not just change overnight. It is recommended that patients learn new habits including:
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Changing eating habits (e.g., food choices, eating times, etc.)
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Eating smaller portions
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Not drinking and eating at the same time
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Increasing exercise
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Chewing slowly
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Not eating for emotional reasons
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Limiting certain food
Therapy BEFORE weight loss surgery can be helpful for patients who wish to:
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emotionally and psychologically prepare for surgery.
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identify unhealthy behavioral patterns
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identify triggers that contributed to initial weight gain or unhealthy eating patterns.
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establish new coping skills for underlying issues
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change your personal relationship with food.
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develop strategies to implement new eating habits.
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learn techniques for breaking unhealthy habits.
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begin implementing small changes in diet in preparation for surgery.
Therapy AFTER weight loss surgery can be helpful for patients who experience:
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difficulty implementing recommendations or abiding by restrictions.
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feeling unhappy or mentally unhealthy (depression or anxiety)
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body image concerns.
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household concerns (e.g., meal issues, food availability, physical activity support, etc.)
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isolation or withdrawal from friends and family
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avoidance of social events.
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excessive alcohol consumption in lieu of meals or snacks.
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self-doubt about having the skills to be on your own in a new relationship with food.
It is never too early or too late to connect with people who have experienced what you are going through. That connection is what support groups can offer you. Need menu ideas? New products to try? Info about the best hiking or biking trails? Just a different way of viewing things? You can find all that and more by joining this new support group.
What you will take away from this group:
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New ideas
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Feeling heard
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Feeling supported
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A better view of yourself and what your goals are, and how to reach them
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Improved confidence and self-esteem.
Groups will be held bi-weekly on Thursdays, in person, from 6 - 7:30 pm.
Bariatric Support Group Meetings
