Common Excuses that Prevent You from Attending your Weight Loss Support Group.
Studies show that bariatric patients’ regular attendance to support groups is the key to long term success. Some patients receive support from their families and others receive it from their friends. However, support groups have welcoming atmospheres that encourage you to attend. As you begin your journey towards weight loss, your dietitian will discuss with you the topic of support groups.
The members of the health care team stress the importance of regular attendance both prior to surgery and after. Though you may promise your surgeon that you will attend and incorporate regular attendance into your routine, you may fail to do so. You may even come up with excuses that you consider to be justifiable reasons for missing your support sessions. These excuses are common; most people go through them. But there is a way to overcome them and keep your head in the game.
Common excuses that prevent you from attending your support group
- “My life is too hectic”.
We all have busy and hectic schedules. As you continue to lose weight, you may feel that your days have become consumed with even more activities. Many of the patients that have achieved success have said that they let go of some of the activities in their lives. This helps them to focus on their new journey and weight loss goals. It is acceptable to clean your house or do your laundry a day later so you can attend a support group.
- “I do not feel like an insider, but rather more like an outsider.”
You may feel intimidated or strange to walk into a room full of people who all seem to know each other. The hardest step for you as a first timer might be just walking to the door. But you shouldn’t worry about that. The recurring patients quickly recognize a new patient and will keep your mind at ease by telling you about their journeys. This usually makes new patients feel more comfortable and will do the same for you.
- “I am doing well on my own, I do not need them.”
You may feel as though you do not need a support group because you are doing well. Most individuals do face challenges and hurdles along the way at some point in their journey. Attending a support group from the beginning should be a priority.
The benefits greatly outnumber the excuses for not attending a support group. It is important to connect with individuals who are in the same situation as you are.
If you have been missing your support meeting, clear your schedule, and you will experience long-term weight loss success.
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