Losing weight is challenging, especially on your own. At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Bariatrics, we understand how weight loss journeys can affect your physical and emotional health. For our patients taking a surgical route to lose weight, we offer added support through our Bariatric Support Program.
At NGPG Bariatrics, we consider support group meetings to be a key factor in successful weight loss and continued health management. Peer support meetings allow you to learn first-hand from others who have had weight loss surgery and address any symptoms of emotional distress. Research has shown that patients who attend support groups regularly are more successful with their weight loss and mental adjustment than people who do not, especially long term.
What is the Bariatric Support Program?
At NGPG Bariatrics, we offer joint support classes with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). The Bariatric Support Program offers cost-free peer support groups that are open to anyone who has had or is considering surgical weight loss at NGPG. Get to know people in your community and learn from their experiences. Engaging with a support group before, during and after your weight loss program can help you not only lose weight but maintain a healthy lifestyle long-term.
For those needing a bit more help, the Bariatric Support Program offers one on one counseling for our bariatrics patients. Occasionally, personal coping difficulties or behavioral modification problems will persist after surgery and need to be addressed by a professional. The NGPG Bariatric Support Program enlists the help of counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists to help you get back on track.
Who should join the Bariatric Support Program?
Our team at NGPG Bariatrics suggests that all of our patients losing weight through our weight loss clinics join the Bariatric Support Program. While anyone attempting to lose weight can benefit from the program, we especially recommend it for patients who:
- Are considering or have had a surgical weight loss procedure.
- Don’t have a strong at-home support system.
- Need help adjusting to their new body image.
- Have previously struggled with mental health issues.
What issues are addressed in the Bariatric Support Program?
Bariatric surgery and weight loss has both physical and mental effects. NGPG Bariatric Support Program is designed to help you cope with the many emotions caused by sudden weight loss. Some common emotional symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Disappointment
- Helplessness
- Excitement
- Joy
All of these symptoms are normal reactions to the adjustments that you will experience with a rapidly changing body. Remember that bariatric surgery is not intended to fix your everyday problems with friends, family members, employment or social life. The surgery is a tool that allows you to gain control over your health, but support groups and counseling can provide the tools to guide you through these personal struggles.
What are the advantages of joining the Bariatric Support Program?
For our patients at NGPG Bariatrics, support both medically and mentally is crucial to weight loss success. Our Bariatric Support Program can help you maintain a healthy emotional state while going through your weight loss journey. Some of the advantages in participating include:
- Community: Sharing experiences, challenges and success with others in similar positions will help you feel connected and supported.
- Motivation: Your group will help motivate you to continue practicing healthy habits and reach your health goals.
- Accountability: Group members help to hold each other accountable to their goals in exercise, group attendance and lifestyle habits.
- Emotional support: Your group members can help to support and encourage you while you are navigating the emotionally challenging weight loss process.
- Knowledge: Group members often share important information as well as tips and tricks that will help you succeed in your weight loss journey.
Choose NGPG for Bariatric Support Program
Weight loss journeys can take a toll on both your physical and emotional health, that’s why at NGPG Bariatrics, we offer our Bariatric Support Program to help guide you through the process. Through peer groups and expert counseling, our support system is built to advise and comfort you while you’re working hard to lose weight.
If you or a loved one are a NGPG Bariatrics patient considering surgical weight loss treatment, ask your provider about joining our Bariatric Support Program to help you reach and maintain your health goals long-term.