Top Tweeters for Weight Loss Surgery Success

When you look and feel great, you just gotta share the news, right? Thanks to today’s technology and the many choices in terms of social media, it is now easier than ever to share the good news about weight loss after Bariatric surgery. In fact, social media can be a great form of support when your schedule won’t allow time to join a group or attend meetings.

Weight Loss Surgery Success and Twitter

Twitter is one of the more popular choices for those who tweet after weight loss surgery, motivating others with inspiring stories, quotes and personal milestone updates. If you are considering weight loss surgery as an option or if you have already undergone Bariatric surgery, here are the top tweeters that we recommend you follow for inspiration and motivation as well as tips, tricks and recipes.

Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories to Share and Follow

Log into your Twitter account and follow these fascinating weight loss surgery success stories! When you surround yourself with success, you will be successful! Here are some of our personal favorites, some of which have gone on to become authors and others who have found ways to achieve greatness in their personal lives.

FatDoesn’t DefineMe – A great act to follow, this Bariatric candidate from Orlando, Florida decided to have Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery on September 19, 2014, and has already lost 150 pounds in approximately eight months.

In following her on Twitter, you can easily see that this vivacious and vibrant gal’s weight loss surgery was a life-changing success and she says it’s the best decision she ever made! Enjoy her motivational tweets, videos and before & after photos! Congrats, Stefaeni! #stefaeni2600 #FatDoesn’t DefineMe

Cindy Virden – Describing herself as a leader and mentor to others, Cindy happily shares her weight loss surgery success story with her Twitter followers and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

With a loss of 91 pounds and 59 inches thus far, thanks to the Bariatric surgery called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and healthier food choices, this gal is certainly one to follow for motivation and inspiration! Great job, Cindy! #cindyvirden

Ali Porto – Weight loss surgery is no easy fix, as Ali will tell you. Having lost 60 pounds after having LapBand Bariatric surgery, her goal weight is drawing closer and closer but she still “has a long road ahead”.

Using hashtags such as #livinglonger and #livinghealthier, weight loss surgery has Ali looking toward the future and taking control of her health. Keep up the great work, Ali! #TicaFox

Karen Gillman – A long term weight loss surgery success story, Karen had LapBand Bariatric surgery in 2004 and has written a book titled ‘It’s Never too Late‘ to share her story with others. Ten plus years and 145 pounds later, this vibrant and beautiful lady motivates and inspires followers on Twitter and other medias.

Be sure to follow Karen for great information and motivational tweets! Thanks for sharing your weight loss surgery success story, Karen! #aftertheband

Lap Band for Men – Follow him on Twitter for the inside scoop describing both good and bad experiences associated with Lap Band Bariatric surgery, told from a man’s perspective. A Christian, author, entrepreneur, blogger, nutrition & fitness expert, he also has a blog to motivate and support others who battle with weight loss.

His story began at 361 pounds and is striving for a goal weight of 235 pounds, a weight loss surgery success story that’s inspiring! #LapBand4Men

Utilize Social Media to Fuel Your Weight Loss Surgery Success

Whether you are a stay at home mom or the CEO of a large company, your weight loss surgery success story can help motivate and inspire others who struggle with their weight. Surround yourself with support before, during and after Bariatric surgery using social media, and help is never farther than your cell phone, tablet or laptop.

Are you ready to begin your own weight loss surgery success story?

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Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter and Youtube. Share your story with our awesome loyal followers!!

10 Reasons for Weight Loss Surgery

There are many reasons to choose weight loss surgery, ranging from the need to prepare for an upcoming event to the basic human desire to live a longer and more productive life. Instead of listing all the medical and health reasons for you, we have compiled a list made by REAL people, people just like you and me!

Reasons for Weight Loss Surgery

You might be surprised that not everyone chooses weight loss surgery to enhance and improve their appearances, although this is undeniably one of the many benefits. Here are ten of the most entertaining reasons people turned to Bariatric surgery to lose weight and keep it off.

#1 – Grandchildren

“I want to live long enough to see/know my grandchildren. I want to feel good enough to play with them in the park without becoming short of breath. I want them to remember me as youthful and fun instead of overweight and unhealthy!”

#2 – Health

“I want to feel better and have more energy, and live my life to the fullest without the regrets caused by being overweight. I’m tired of being unhappy with myself and having difficulty doing simple daily tasks. I don’t want to suffer from heart disease or diabetes.”

#3 – Special Event

It’s my wedding day and I want to be a beautiful bride, and begin my new life looking and feeling great. I would never attend my class reunion without losing weight! I am going on a trip/cruise and everyone will be lounging on the pool or beach, wearing swimwear …and bikinis. Everyone will be talking about me after the family reunion”

#4 – Job Improvement or Promotion

“I want to improve my job performance and enjoy the respect of my colleagues and co-workers. It would increase my confidence at work and help me land the promotion I have always dreamed of. I want to wake up in the morning and enjoy getting dressed for work …instead of dreading it!”

#5 – For the Love of Fashion

“I am so tired of never being able to find cute and trendy clothing in my size! I want to wear beautiful clothing and look good in lingerie. I haven’t owned a swimsuit in years and I am ready for a change! I miss being able to wear high heels.”

#6 – Peer Pressure

“I feel as if everyone stares at me when I go out in public, and sometimes I am sure that people are making fun of my size. I love theme parks, especially roller coasters, but it is too embarrassing when the safety harness doesn’t fasten. I hate feeling too fat to sit comfortably in my school desk.”

#7 – Self-Confidence

“Even though I am obese, I feel like less of a person. I want to walk into a room with confidence and not worry whether people are wrinkling their noses or secretly trying to guess my weight. I am tired of staying at home in my pajamas because I don’t want to be in public looking this way.”

#8 – Physical Pain

“I cannot remember what it feels like to get up in the mornings and my body not ache. My back hurts so bad at times, and I know my weight is part of the problem. Being overweight complicates and causes problems with my other health issues.”

#9 – Sexual Quality of Life

“I want to have fun and not be self-conscious during sexual intercourse with my partner. If I have weight loss surgery, I will feel better and enjoy sex more. By losing weight, I could release my inhibitions and live out more of my fantasies.”

#10 – Loved Ones

“I am not too sure about weight loss surgery, but my partner really wants me to have this. Although it isn’t spoken aloud, I know my partner wants me to get control of my weight, even if it means having Bariatric surgery. My son/daughter is worried that my weight is affecting my health. I want to be a better mother/father for my children.”

The Right Reasons for Weight Loss Surgery

While there are a million reasons to choose weight loss surgery, not all of them are the right reasons. A reputable and highly qualified Bariatric surgeon will meet with you to discuss whether weight loss surgery is the right choice for your health and lifestyle. Whether you choose the Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass, weight loss surgery is a life-changing event that should not be taken lightly.

Bariatric surgery is for those who are severely obese and have consistently tried all other methods of weight loss without success. No one waves a magic wand as, even with weight loss surgery, you will need dedication and the motivation to succeed.

Are you a good candidate for weight loss surgery?

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Excellent New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

After Bariatric Surgery, you will begin to look around your kitchen with new eyes, and as you make your weekly grocery list, there will be so many things you will no longer want to buy. Don’t worry – it will get easier as the days go by and soon, you will have some healthy new habits to add years to your life, but how can you speed those new habits along, helping make sure you see and enjoy the results of weight loss surgery long term?

New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

Here are some quick kitchen tips for those of you who want to make your kitchen weight loss friendly after Bariatric surgery and help speed those new habits along. Don’t be discouraged if you make a mistake. It took a lifetime to learn all of these unhealthy eating habits, so don’t be too hard on yourself! Every day is a clean slate and a fresh start on your road toward a healthy weight and proper nutritional habits.

Buy Bottled Water after Weight Loss Surgery

While you may have wonderfully tasting well or tap water that runs into your glass for free, you are probably willing to admit that you aren’t drinking the required number of glasses per day. After Bariatric surgery, it is highly recommended that you purchase bottled water and store it in the refrigerator or another cool location.

You will find that using purchasing bottled water will motivate you, and help you keep track of your daily water intake goals. You may be able to get your family involved with a little competitive cross referencing with the other water drinkers in your home. Do not mistake distilled water for healthy bottled water, which is not nearly as healthy and beneficial for your body.

Boiled Eggs after Bariatric Surgery

After weight loss surgery, you will have to follow a very specific diet until your stomach has healed and you are no longer on a liquid, puree or soft food regimen. Once you have been approved for regular food, you will be looking for high protein recipes that meet the needs of your new lifestyle. Breakfast can be especially difficult since you no longer need to eat toast, biscuits, sugary sweet cereal or greasy pork bacon and sausage.

However, what you can have are protein rich eggs. Most nutritionists will tell you that eating at least one hard boiled egg each morning for breakfast will increase your energy levels by 70 percent. This is because protein is fuel for the body and eggs are a fast, affordable and easy source. Make a new habit of keep a small container of hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator. You will find that this is a fast and convenient breakfast that you will learn to appreciate. Sprinkle some paprika on them for a bit of flavor if you do not like them plain, as this spice is a great source of vitamin E.

Individual Sweeteners Packets for Bariatric Patients

After Bariatric surgery, you will no longer be able to enjoy sugary sweet drinks and treats. You can, however, have artificial sugar. If one of your old habits included drinking sweet iced tea, Kool-aid or coffee with sugar, you should consider purchasing artificial sweeteners in individual packets. While drinks won’t taste nearly as sweet, you will find that over time, you can train your taste buds to enjoy less.

Another great benefit of pre-measured packets is you can see exactly how many calories you are drinking and how much progress you’ve made. Also, these pre-measured packets can be carried in a purse or pocket, making it easy to maintain your new habit wherever you go.

Zipper Seal Bags for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

After you have undergone Bariatric surgery, portion control becomes an important issue and plastic zipper seal bags can be a huge help in the storing and cooking process. While you can save significantly by buying in bulk, you should re-package all meat and food items into zipper seal bags that contain only enough for the number and size of the meals you will need.

Not only will you avoid over-eating and later raiding the fridge for leftovers, you will also find that packages used to make one dinner meal might stretch much further now. It won’t take long before you are hooked on buying and using these household helpers.

What are some other items to help build new habits after Bariatric surgery?

9 Christmas Gift Ideas for Bariatric Patients

Christmas Gift Ideas for Bariatric Patients

If someone you love has recently undergone weight loss surgery of any kind, your task of finding the perfect Christmas gift won’t be as difficult as you might think. As the Bariatric patient on your holiday shopping list begins his or her new and improved healthy lifestyle, the following gift ideas can provide support and assistance toward weight loss success.

Digital Food Scale

Modern food scales are better than ever at helping with portion control and managing healthy food options. A great help when keeping a journal and perfecting Bariatric recipes, today’s food scales have some pretty amazing options such as a Tare feature that automatically deducts the weight of your plate.

High Tech Bathroom Scales

Any old bathroom scale will help track weight loss but there are several brands of high tech scales that can do some pretty amazing things. Not only can a Bariatric patient keep track of pounds lost, but also body mass, weight memory, and daily caloric reference.

Digital Camera

The weight loss journey of a Bariatric patient is often recorded in photographs, allowing the results to be documented and shared with others. A digital camera is vital in recording every milestone along the path to healthy living, making it a great choice for gift-giving. Some cameras are also equipped with video functions, making them even more helpful.

Gym Membership

A gym membership is a wonderful gift idea for anyone who is trying to ‘turn over a new leaf’ and get healthy through weight loss. Some memberships include access to spas and saunas, swimming pools and even child care, making this an ideal choice for Bariatric patients of all ages.

Gift Card from Major Clothing Retailer

This is a struggle every weight loss surgery patient experiences with both negative and positive feelings. While thrilled to see the weight coming off, Bariatric patients struggle daily with ill-fitting clothing, as nothing seems to fit. With a gift card to a major clothing retailer, your recipient will be thrilled to add a few basics to their wardrobe. Of course, nothing makes weight loss sweeter than buying a smaller size.

Gas Gift Card

Most weight loss surgery patients have to keep monthly appointments with their Bariatric doctor, and this can mean traveling more than two hours. Follow-up appointments, fills (Lap-Band), weigh-ins, visiting support groups, and trips to specialty stores are just some of the reasons a gas card could be beneficial for Bariatric patients.

Kitchen Gadgets

There are a lot of great gift ideas in the kitchen for those who have undergone weight loss surgery. A good food storage system such as a Foodsaver can help with fresh food preservation and portion control. Other helpful options include high quality water bottles, shaker bottles designed for protein shakes, pre-measured food containers and measuring cups/spoons. Bento and other portion oriented lunch containers are also quite helpful when making meals on the go.

Bariatric Approved Cookbooks

After weight loss surgery, your gift recipient may feel as if he or she is learning how to cook all over again. Finding recipes that are low fat and low or sugar free can be quite daunting, not to mention time consuming. Purchasing Bariatric approved cookbooks will help save time and improve meal planning, making it an exceptional gift idea for Christmas.

Vitamins, Supplements, and Carrying Case

After Bariatric surgery, vitamins and supplements are no longer a choice, but a necessity, since the stomach can no longer absorb all the nutrients your body needs. A carrying case or pill organizer can be a lifesaver to the Bariatric patient, and gifts of vitamins and supplements can save some serious cash.

These are just a few of the many gift ideas that will enrich the life of your favorite Bariatric patient. Can you think of other great Christmas gifts for someone who has had weight loss surgery?

bariatric presents christmas gifts

10 Tips for Celebrating Halloween Post Bariatric Surgery

Celebrating Halloween after Weight Loss Surgery

After weight loss surgery, you are starting to see results but with the fall season comes many temptations. This is largely due to the many holiday offerings that begin with the arrival of Halloween.

While it may be a tradition to enjoy delicious Halloween candy throughout the month of October, now is not the time to indulge. Saying no to those sweet little treats and candy bars will keep your weight loss goals on target.

After a lifetime of mindless snacking, it can be difficult to resist temptation but here is a helpful list of ways you can avoid sabotaging your healthy diet and weight loss success.

Buy the candies you hate!

Sure, this may seem difficult but it actually isn’t. Avoid your favorite candies and chocolate, opting for flavors and brands that will not tempt you. Hate coconut? Buy fun-sized Mounds or other coconut filled treat. Love chocolate? Avoid buying any Halloween candy covered with or containing chocolate.

Don’t keep candy sitting around the house!

If purchasing candy and treats is a tradition you cannot escape from, don’t buy it early and store it around your home. Wait until the last possible minute to shop for candy to give away, and avoid filling any dandy dishes or dispensers until it’s time to celebrate.

Look for great alternatives to handing out candy!

Think of other great things to hand out this Halloween rather than candy. Consider giving away temporary tattoos, stickers, small toys, raisins, cracker and cheese packs, coins, juice boxes for thirsty trick or treaters. These are just a few of the many great items that kids will love.

Celebrate with a support group!

If you don’t have a bariatric support group, invite a few of your health-minded friends over for a party. Choose healthy treats approved for your post bariatric surgery diet.

Go trick or treating with the kids!

While you don’t need the calories that Halloween treats provide, the exercise is great for you! Walk with the kids as they go trick-or-treating and stay in control of your new healthy lifestyle.

Give away over-stocked and left-over candy!

After a night of trick or treating, let the children choose a handful of candy to keep. Donate the rest of your kids’ candy haul to homeless shelters, dentists’ offices, and food kitchens. This keeps candy and chocolate from lying around the house to tempt you.

Keep candy in the freezer!

If you have candy and chocolate sitting around your house after Halloween has passed, gather it all up and stash it in the freezer. Your children will eat fewer pieces at a time, and the candy is less accessible.

Set the date for a candy-free home!

Choose a date in November and mark it on your calendar. This is the day all of the Halloween candy will be removed from your home. The candy-free zone will be conducive to your diet once again.

Don’t deprive yourself on Halloween!

Don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat or Halloween candy when you have a craving. Try to find healthier options to chase the urge away, but if the craving lingers, have a small bite so you don’t binge later.

Read the label before eating a piece of candy or treat!

Before putting any holiday candies or treats in your mouth, know exactly what the label says regarding calories, sugar, and fat grams. Reading labels can often discourage you from eating something, as you decide if the calories are worth the short term rewards.

Eating Candy Halloween

Recording Your Weight Loss Journey

Motivate Yourself with a Weight Loss Journal

There are numerous ways to find support after weight loss surgery. If you live in a more populated area, there are support groups you can visit weekly, if not daily. Rural dwellers have a more limited access to support groups but several active online weight loss groups can be found that really helps you chase away that feeling of being alone in your journey.

One of the best ways you can motivate yourself is with the help of a weight loss journal. Keeping track of your weight loss and other milestones, including what you eat, can really helpyou on your weight loss surgery. It is best to start keeping a record of your journey from the moment you decide to have weight loss surgery, but it is never too late to start recording your progress.

Additionally, the journaling process could be helpful long after you have reached your desired weight to help keep old habits at bay and remain focused. If you make a commitment to the record keeping process, journaling is also a great way to maintain your ideal weight and prevent any risk of weight gain after Bariatric surgery.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Journaling your Weight Loss Journey

Keeping a record of your weight loss journey can be done in several ways. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and will motivate you the most. If keeping a written record such as a jo Journaling WLS urnal or a blog, don’t shy away from cameras. Snap those before and afters with pride because you are dedicated to your journey.

The most common choices for keeping a weight loss record include the following: keeping a written journal much like a diary, writing a blog, creating a dedicated social media fanpage such as Facebook, vlogging (which is video blogging), or picture blogging on Instagram. It doesn’t really matter which method you choose so long as you are comfortable and consistent.

When you begin the journal, be sure to log in, write or make your videos as much as possible. Set a minimum requirement for yourself as well. This is a habit which must be properly formed and your schedule may not always be regular. You can easily balance the journaling process with your lifestyle once keeping a record has become a habit.

Sharing Your Weight Loss Journey

The weight loss journal is a record of your weight loss journey, so share the details that will motivate and build your confidence. If you aren’t comfortable sharing certain information, then don’t! Using your own personal preferences and making your own rules regarding details will help to create a journal that keeps you focused and hopeful. Below are some of the most commonly shared details in a weight loss journal:

Your Diet: food choices, vatamin and supplement information, nutrient and calorie intake, protein sources

When You Eat: describe portion sizes, hunger times, cravings, giving in to temptation, getting back on track

Your Exercise Plan: what works and what doesn’t, trips to the gym, stamina increases, favorite exercise products

Personal Weight Loss Goals: goals, plans, hopes and dreams, weight before and afters, personal measurements

Your New Life: new sleeping habits, relationship changes, family life, activities you were unable to do before

Whether you decide to write or record long emotion-filled journal entries or jot down a quick list of updates, the weight loss record will help keep you focused after weight loss surgery. Search the internet for other recorded weight loss journeys for inspiration and ideas. Be sure to visit YouTube where you will find an entire weight loss community devoted to journaling their results to help not only themselves, but others as well.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

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Lap Band Surgery – Post-Op Phase

Lap Band Surgery – About the Post-Op Phase

Your Lap Band Surgery is behind you and you are excited to begin what is sure to become your new, healthier life. The level of success you will experience depends on your resolve to follow the doctor’s post-op instructions and seek much needed support from your Bariatric team.

Your Doctor Appointments

After you are released from the hospital, your surgeon or physician assistant and dietitian will want to see you following the schedule below:

Two Weeks – This is a follow up appointment to check your incision sites.

Eight Weeks – This is your first adjustment, which is often called a ‘fill’. You will likely return every six weeks until your Lap Band has a sufficient amount of resistance to help you maintain a steady rate of weight loss.

After the correct amount of resistance has been maintained for several appointments, you will only need to visit the Bariatric Clinic every few months or so. Please understand that every doctor is different. This is just a guideline to help you understand what will happen in the months following surgery.

Your Post-Op Medications

When you leave the hospital, you will be advised to take medications and vitamins in liquid form for the first two months post-op. You may be able to crush some medications, depending on your pharmacist’s advice. Another option is to purchase chewable medications and vitamins. This will also be necessary after each adjustment or fill.

Your nutritionist or dietitian will probably advise you regarding the required vitamin and mineral supplements. You can expect to take mineral and vitamin supplements for the remainder of your life. Here are the most common daily instructions given to Bariatric Surgery patients post-op.

One Multi -Vitamin

One or Two Calcium Tablets, Depending on your Dairy Intake

Any Additional Requests by your Doctor or Nutritionist

After Lap Band Adjustments

After each Lap Band adjustment or fill, it is important to follow a liquid diet for one or two days. This is due to the occurrence of slight swelling around your Lap Band.

How Quickly can You Expect to Lose Weight?

Every Bariatric patient will have slightly different results but on average, the expected weight loss will be one to three pounds per week. Your weight loss journey can take months or years, depending on the amount you weighed when having Lap band Surgery. With a supportive doctor and staff, you will reach your goal weight.

Don’t Worry about Weight Plateaus

Weight plateaus often occur when Lap Band patients have lost a significant amount of weight and the weight loss is now at a standstill. Your nutritionist will be able to help find a more effective diet and exercise program when you reach a weight plateau.

About Weight Gain

For Lap Band Surgery to be successful, you must change your eating and exercise habits. If you do not eat in moderation and incorporate activity into your days, it is possible to gain your weight back.

Do You Have Any Questions Regarding Lap Band Surgery Post-Op?

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Interesting Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Facts

Interesting Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Facts

If you are like many who are considering weight loss surgery, you have spent a significant amount of time researching the topic across several sites and search engines. New information can be found daily, making the task a bit daunting.

Choosing Bariatric Surgery can help an individual achieve long lasting weight loss and a new outlook on life. Patients can lead happier, healthier lives if they have all the facts needed to make a step toward positive change.

You are fairly certain that you know all about obesity and bariatric surgery. Just in case your research skipped over some interesting facts, here is a small compilation of important information to help you decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you.

Obesity Facts

Today, approximately fifteen million Americans are battling life threatening obesity. In 1990, less than fifteen percent of Americans were overweight.

Obesity is commonly defined as being one hundred pounds over your ideal body weight. This is the equivalent of a BMI (body mass index) that is greater than 40.

As of today, the United States is the most obese nation in the entire world. Twenty-five percent of this country’s children are overweight.

Patients who are obese will die approximately twelve to fifteen years earlier than those who maintain a normal weight.

Those who suffer with life threatening obesity have many other medical conditions that will affect almost every organ and system in their bodies. Some of these conditions include: Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Depression, Arthritis, and Cardiac Disease.

Bariatric Surgery Facts

For most, Bariatric Surgery is a cure for the life-threatening condition of obesity.

Patients opt for Bariatric Surgery because they want to live longer, healthier happier lives.

While Bariatric Surgery is a powerful weight loss tool for the obese. However, it is not cosmetic surgery.

Bariatric patients are most successful when they participate in a comprehensive program, one that provides follow-up appointments, support from a dietician, support groups (in persona and online), and assistance from exercise and fitness specialists.

Bariatric surgery requires a conscious effort to make a major commitment to changing their diet and behaviour regarding exercise.

When considering the risks of life threatening obesity, the risks of bariatric surgery are minute in comparison.

Only five percent of patients have shown long term positive results after Bariatric Surgery from diet and exercise alone. However, Bariatric Surgery gives patients long term weight loss results.

Many who undergo weight loss surgery have found that as they became more fit and healthy, other medical conditions lessened, or disappeared entirely.

After weight loss surgery, patients enjoyed reduced costs in healthcare and became more productive at work or school.

With Bariatric Surgery, you write the story of your life, as you are in control. What other changes did you experience? After Weight Loss Surgery, besides weight, what will change about you most? Your comments are welcome below.

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Family Dynamics with Weight Loss Surgery

Significant Weight Loss Brings Many Changes for You and Your Family

First, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a personal one that should be decided upon with the assistance of your doctor and nutritionist. However, the results will be life-changing for you and this will affect your family as well. Your new boost in confidence will bring out a new attitude and outlook, one that your family members may have never experienced before. While the many health benefits are great motivation, this new and improved family life may well become your most favorite result of weight loss surgery.

family weight loss issues

Most people who suffer from obesity deal with many other mental and physical issues, robbing their happiness and leaving depression in its place. Some patients feel as if they aren’t the same person anymore and report that family activities have been reduced to a minimum since obesity has stolen their ability to enjoy normal activities.

After bariatric surgery, your pounds slowly slip away and a new life emerges – one that is greatly enriching to you and your family. Friendships flourish as you have more energy and time to enjoy those around you. For your consideration, here are just a few of the many benefits that can be enjoyed after undergoing weight loss surgery by both you and your family.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Relatives will spend less time worrying and more time making memories with you. Whether you realize this or not, your spouse and children worry about your health and the risks associated with obesity and whichever additional health complications you may suffer from. Children hope that you will be present at all future landmark events: graduations, weddings, the births of your grandchildren as well as many other special occasions. Your family loves you and wants only your happiness and health – even if that means weight loss surgery.

Your family will becomes more healthy and health-conscious after your weight loss surgery experience. You will become a role model regarding your family’s health. Research has proven that those who have undergone weight loss surgery noticed positive health benefits for their family members as well. Researchers believe that this happens because the patient’s new and healthier lifestyle extends to the family in regards to meals, activities and even attitudes.

You will spend more quality time with your spouse and children. After bariatric surgery, you can expect to feel better and have more energy to invest in relationships with those you love. You will also show an increase in mobility and stamina levels which will lead to more freedom and activities, providing the ability to do things you could have never done before such as camping, sports and amusement parks.

By making your own list with pen and paper, you can probably add several more items to this list. Take your list when you visit the doctor to discuss your options regarding weight loss and if bariatric surgery is right for your situation. There are many more benefits of weight loss surgery regarding your family, depending on your individual situation. In your world, your children and your spouse are the most important people in your life. This is exactly how they feel about you as well. Weight loss surgery improves the relationships in your life as a brand new YOU emerges.

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Weight Loss Surgery New Year’s Resolution

weight loss resolution — Start your weight loss journey today

The New Year is upon us and now is the time when everyone starts making their New Year’s resolutions. One of the most popular resolutions that many people have for the new year is weight loss. Some people will promise to exercise more or eat right, but most will not stick to their weight loss plan for more than a couple weeks.

Don’t spend 2014 stressing out about weight loss and don’t let yourself down when it comes to your New Year’s resolution. Do weight loss the right way and you will not only see results, but be able to keep the weight off longer. One of the ways you can do that is by avoiding scams and diet fads that seem too good to be true.

Don’t expect to see results with little work and don’t believe that a pill, drink or wrap will allow you to eat anything you want. The key to weight loss success is knowing what works for you.

If you have been thinking of looking into weight loss surgery, now is the time to start. The process can take up to 6 months, so starting at the beginning of the new year will set you up on the right path for success with weight loss this year.

If you have made losing weight your New Year’s resolution, be smart about it and make a plan. The first step should be to contact National Bariatric Link’s coordinator to find the best weight loss surgeon in your area. We will help check your insurance for coverage and schedule you for the info session to learn about your weight loss options.