Although the physical outcomes of weight loss surgery are generally extremely positive, many patients struggle with the emotional ups and downs of the journey. For example, a spouse may become suddenly jealous or even withdrawn when their mate sheds 60, 100 or even 200 pounds. They may feel threatened by the seemingly sudden change, which can have a profound impact on the dynamic of the relationship. In other cases, friends or family members may try to sabotage a patient’s success and be less than enthusiastic about the positive change in their life, which can leave emotional scars.

Reaching out for support, whether through a local support group or online meetings, can be the difference between happily ever after, and a continual struggle for emotional peace. Regional and national weight loss surgery conferences also provide a great opportunity to building friendships with other post-op patients, who can share their advice and encouragement while you walk the journey together.

Coping with Reality
The first year after surgery is often referred to as the “honeymoon period,” as patients experience the euphoria associated with rapid weight loss. The extra pounds seem to just melt away with little effort or discomfort. Post-op, you likely will be more active, have more energy, and generally feel wonderful. (Women also often get excited about the fact that they can fit into a size 10 or 12 dress—something they previously never fathomed.)

Bear in mind, however, that the procedure itself is only the beginning of an ongoing process that requires lifelong maintenance. The excitement that comes with weight loss surgery can quickly dwindle once you arrive at a steady weight. In fact, patients can become discouraged and even depressed once the dramatic weight losses they initially experience subside. Some may retreat into unhealthy habits and regain the weight they lost after surgery, while others may experience addiction transference and find they suddenly struggle with alcohol, painkillers, gambling, or another addiction that has taken the place of food.

Embracing Support
The best way to retain your initial excitement and channel it into a sustainable and healthy lifestyle is to have a good support system in place. After weight loss surgery, it is critical that you have a support network—a group of allies that will keep you accountable and make sure you stick with the healthy habits you learned from your doctor. Those habits include not only dietary changes and physical activity, but also new ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions.

In addition to participating in a regular support group locally or online, you may want to look for local and national conferences sponsored by established and reputable obesity awareness and support groups. These types of events provide an excellent opportunity to connect with others going through the same changes—and encountering the same challenges—as you are. Moreover, you can often learn tasty pouch-friendly recipes, get discounts on nutritional supplements, and hear about interesting new research and legislative initiatives related to the fight against obesity.

Finding a Conference
Numerous organizations and non-profits host conferences for weight loss surgery patients. Several host annual conventions that are open to patients and doctors alike, giving attendees multiple invaluable perspectives about their surgery and their lives.

The Your Weight Matters National Convention, an annual event produced and presented by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), brings together experts from around the country to present the latest information on proven weight-loss techniques. The OAC wants to empower visitors by giving them the knowledge they need to take control of their health. Attendees receive tools to create healthy change in their everyday lives, empowerment through overall wellness, and an opportunity to connect with others who are along the same paths in their journey with obesity and excess weight.

The ObesityHelp National Conference, which will be held in Anaheim, California this year, will feature a number of prominent speakers with expertise in helping weight loss surgery patients navigate the challenges of their surgery and its aftermath. Cathy Wilson, a member of the ObesityHelp staff, says, “Our members enjoy having face-to-face contact with each other. They love coming back to the website to post their event photos and stories about how they finally got to meet members they had been chatting with and supporting online for years. ObesityHelp has been doing this a long time – imagine 10 years of real hugs, real in-person laughs, and support from the weight loss surgery community.”

You can also find local conferences at the state or regional level, such as the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery (TABS) annual conference. TABS serves weight loss surgery patients and the medical professionals who care for them through education, wellness and advocacy efforts. At the annual conference, TABS physician and surgeon members share ideas in the education, prevention and treatment of obesity to improve patient outcomes, conduct patient education, promote healthy living and advocate for the rights of the obese. The next conference will be January 2014 in San Antonio, Texas.

Conferences like these provide weight loss surgery patients with the kind of nurturing environment they need while they are adjusting to their changed selves. Although they are no replacement for ongoing support from a physician, they can provide hope and healing after the trauma of obesity and connect you with fellow post-op patients who can prove to be welcome companions on your lifelong journey to a happier, healthier you.

The post Support Groups, Conferences are a Boon to Post-Op Patients appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Title: Informational Meeting
Location: Presbyterian Hospital of Denton, Rio Grande Room
Description: Dr. Provost will meet with prospective WLS patients who are considering weight loss surgery
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: 6-13-2013

The post Weight Loss Surgery Informational Meeting – June 13, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Questions? please call us at (940) 323-3450.

Title: Support Group Meeting
Location: Provost Bariatrics, 2501 Scripture Rd., Suite 303, Denton, Texas 76201
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: 5-28-2013

The post Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meeting – May 28, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Title: Informational Meeting
Location: Presbyterian Hospital of Denton, Rio Grande Room
Description: Dr. Provost will meet with prospective WLS patients who are considering weight loss surgery
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: 5-16-2013

The post Weight Loss Surgery Informational Meeting – May 16, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Please contact the office at (940) 323-3450 to confirm your seat prior to the class.

Title: Pouch Rules Class
Location: Provost Bariatrics, 2501 Scripture Rd., Suite 105, Denton, Texas 76201
Class Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Date: 5-28-2013

The post Pouch Rules Class – May 28, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Questions? please call us at (940) 323-3450.

Title: Support Group Meeting
Location: Provost Bariatrics, 2501 Scripture Rd., Suite 303, Denton, Texas 76201
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: 4-23-2013

The post Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meeting – April 23, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Obesity has existed for millennia, but only in the past 30 years has it become so prevalent, particularly in Western culture. In the U.S. alone, two-thirds of the population is overweight, and 1 in 3 Americans is clinically obese. Are we really eating that much more than our parents and grandparents did? Not necessarily. For years, dieticians have taught that a calorie is a calorie, and if you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight. Now, medical experts have determined that not all calories are equal.

A Culture of Addiction
For one thing, fast foods and processed foods have minimal nutritional value and are laden with added sugars. As a result, the body reacts in two ways: it stores what it has, and it craves more. Much more. Because these types of highly palatable foods are so inexpensive and easily accessible, most people are inclined to feed the craving, triggering the metabolic syndrome that ultimately causes obesity.

Other factors, such as the increased use of pharmaceuticals (both in humans and animals), higher stress levels, and a more sedentary lifestyle all contribute to the growing rate of obesity in children and adults. More obesity means more related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia.

Breaking the Bonds
So, how do you beat the odds and overcome the obesity epidemic? Weight loss surgery is a start, because the surgery creates a physical barrier to consuming large amounts of food. Simply put, you get full faster. But, you still need to make sure you consume the right foods and avoid the types of foods that trigger the addictive craving for more calories. Here are four quick tips that can help you stay on track to a healthier lifestyle:

1. Shop the Outside Aisles. Visit any supermarket, and you’ll likely see a similar layout: produce, meats and dairy items are placed along the walls, while the aisles in the middle of the store are laden with pre-packaged processed foods. By shopping the perimeter of the store, you can fill your basket with healthy choices, like fruits and vegetables, chicken, fish, tofu, and soy milk. When you need something from the dry goods section, go directly to that item, and then back to the perimeter. If you start to browse the aisles, you are more likely to give into temptation.

2. Never, ever eat fast food. Yes, we are all pressed for time. Yes, drive-thrus provide cheap and easy access to a quick meal. But, other than “fast,” there is nothing good about fast food. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that you’re going to stop by McDonald’s for a salad. Being there puts you right in the path of temptation. (Think of an alcoholic who goes to the liquor store to buy a pack of gum. Why take the chance that you will succumb to a moment of weakness?) Instead, follow tip #3 to protect your body and your health!

3. Prepare for cravings. Bariatric surgery will cause you to feel full after just a few bites and to be hungry less often. But, about a year after surgery, the prolonged feeling of satiety will begin to fade, and you can start to feel hunger pangs between meals. If you don’t plan in advance, you may find yourself suddenly heading toward the vending machine or picking up a less-than-healthy bite on the fly. Better to pack a small bag of apple slices, carrot sticks, whole almonds or banana chips, so you have a nutritious option within arm’s reach when you crave a little something.

4. Drink lots of water. Perhaps the greatest weight loss secret in the world is to simply stay hydrated. Drinking water frequently throughout the day not only keeps you from feeling hungry, but also helps cleanse your body of toxins. What’s more, reaching for your water bottle will keep your hands busy, so you’re less likely to reach for a sugary snack. Just remember, no beverages of any kind with a meal or within 30-60 minutes of mealtime.

By understanding the highly addictive nature of fast food and processed foods, you can make educated choices about what to put in your body. Whether or not you have had bariatric surgery, eating fresh foods and planning in advance for the hectic day ahead can keep you looking and feeling healthy and fit for life.

The post Breaking the Bonds of Obesity Before and After Weight Loss Surgery appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Title: Informational Meeting
Location: Presbyterian Hospital of Denton, Rio Grande Room
Description: Dr. Provost will meet with prospective WLS patients who are considering weight loss surgery
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: 4-11-2013

The post Weight Loss Surgery Informational Meeting – April 11, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Please contact the office at (940) 323-3450 to confirm your seat prior to the class.

Title: Pouch Rules Class
Location: Provost Bariatrics, 2501 Scripture Rd., Suite 105, Denton, Texas 76201
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: 4-2-2013

The post Pouch Rules Class – April 2, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.

Questions? please call us at (940) 323-3450.

Title: Support Group Meeting
Location: Provost Bariatrics, 2501 Scripture Rd., Suite 303, Denton, Texas 76201
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: 3-26-2013

The post Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meeting – March 26, 2013 appeared first on Provost Bariatrics.