Building a Weight-Loss Support System
When it comes to losing weight, a good support system can make all the difference. Positive encouragement and recognition from family, friends, and coworkers can help you retain motivation throughout your weight-loss journey. In addition, connecting with like-minded people, like other bariatric surgery patients, can be an opportunity to learn diet tips, swap recipes, or find an exercise buddy.
In a previous article, we discussed at length the importance of a weight-loss support system and how it can be vital for successful, lasting weight loss. In this article, we’ll address the best ways to build that support system, cultivating a positive, healthy environment for you to thrive during your weight-loss journey.
Where to Find Weight-Loss Support
For some people, there may already be people in your life who are ready to join your weight-loss support system. People who care about you, like your family, friends, and coworkers, are often willing to provide support, though they may not know how to be the most helpful. When asking these people for weight-loss support, be specific in detailing how they can help.
For those who don’t have people in their life capable of providing encouragement, there are still plenty of places to start building your weight-loss support system. In these cases, it’s important to be proactive. Support won’t come to you—you need to go looking for it.
The internet is a great place to start. There are hundreds of online weight-loss support groups and forums where people freely offer weight-loss advice, from exercise schedules to recipe substitutions. Check social media for weight-loss groups in your area—if you’re lucky, some of these online relationships may grow into in-person support.
If you’re pre- or post-bariatric surgery, you can also explore weight-loss support groups offered by your clinic. Any good bariatric surgery team understands that aftercare is critical to long-term weight-loss success. Like Tri State Bariatrics, they may offer support meetings or after-surgery resources.
How to Build Your Weight-Loss Support System
Once you’ve identified the people and places you can turn to for support, you’ll likely realize that your journey requires different types of weight-loss support. Those who provide emotional support offer opportunities to vent about your struggles, frustrations, and cravings. They provide positive encouragement and motivation. People who provide physical support might include your workout buddy or physical trainer. Practical support involves helping you make your weight loss a priority—things like helping you meal prep or watching your kids while you go for a run.
These types of support probably won’t all be provided by the same person, which is why it’s important to have multiple people in your weight-loss support system. When you’re receiving so much support, it’s important to remember to return the favor—whether that’s by supporting their weight-loss journey or some other aspect of their life.
Tri State Bariatrics was founded on the principle of providing support long after the surgery is complete. Our team cares about our patients, and we do our best to provide them with the tools they need to succeed. From providing thorough education before surgery to offering bariatric support groups, Tri State is committed to helping you throughout the entirety of your weight-loss journey.
Related Posts
