Bariatric Surgery

can be hard on relationships, but you can use some strategies to help them recover. No matter how much your family members try to make you feel sorry for your plans, you can still go ahead with your decision to have Weight Loss Surgery.

You may not be able to explain what it’s like to your friends and family, even if they are supportive. The ups and downs of your journey could only be understood by someone who has been there. This is where Perth Bariatrics Support Group is a great support network for you.

In Perth Bariatrics Support Group you can talk to someone who’d had bariatric surgery, for free, about the weight loss journey. You can get emotional support from them, but they can also provide you with tips on how to deal with obstacles.

What can you do with family members and friends who oppose weight loss surgery, or at least how do you begin a constructive dialogue with them?

How to Get to the Core of the Matter

Before you consider weight loss surgery, you should understand why they oppose it. Many times, it has to do with safety concerns. The person may know someone whose weight loss surgery led to complications or may know someone who knows someone who knows someone. You can discuss the real risks of surgery with them – as compared to those of remaining overweight – using statistics, rather than hearsay.

You shouldn’t assume they are against your decision because of your safety. Let them speak and respond directly to their concerns. The following reasons might also explain why your family and friends are less than thrilled about your exciting news.

It’s possible that people are afraid you won’t stick with the weight loss surgery diet, and that you won’t be satisfied with the results.

If they don’t believe you need it, you may not get it. It is common to have family members who do not understand the repercussions of being overweight in your life, or how damaging it is to your health.

Their feelings may be hurt. Seeing their child opt for surgery may cause parents to feel as though they have failed.

There may be a sense of threat. As you lose weight, your significant other may become concerned that the way you feel about him or her will change.

It is possible that they don’t fully understand the implications. If you tend to spend a lot of time with your friends over food or if they perceive you as their dependable fat friend, your friends might be worried that you won’t want to hang out with them anymore.

Directly address the issue, whatever it may be. You will not become a different person if you do this for yourself. Reassure your friends and family that you are doing this for you.

Provide them with a Role

Having to learn about your weight loss surgery may overwhelm some friends and family members, and that can lead to their negative reactions. It turns out that the more involved they are in the experience, the more likely they are to change their mind. As soon as you tell them about prep, procedure, and diet, they may feel more at ease about your weight loss surgery. They may even be thankful if you let them know what specific things they can do to help.

Mealtimes Should be Addressed Directly

You can’t deny that food plays a crucial role in forming relationships at home and in social settings, so it’s normal for your loved ones to worry about the effect your weight loss surgery will have on them. Talk to your family and friends about the meals you eat at home and in restaurants if you are worried. You can be good company even if you don’t order the same things or eat as much as they do by letting them know you’ll be at the table. You’ll make them feel more comfortable when you’re there.

It is Okay to Disagree

Families mean well in most cases. In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to remember or realize, but they often truly care for your well-being. The next step is to keep them as a loyal ally in other areas of your life if you have already tried your best to convince them to support your weight loss surgery decision.

Your weight loss surgery may not be in conflict with their opinions. Your respect for their opinion will keep them from feeling compelled to support the surgery. Your friends can continue to be your friends regardless of whether you are undergoing bariatric surgery.

Take Your Time

It may take some time. You may have been supported by your loved ones due to your success in weight loss surgery. Whether it takes weeks, months, or perhaps even a year, they may finally come around once they realize how much they miss you, and when they see how happy you are.

If everyone you love supports you, it’s much easier to make the decision to have bariatric surgery. Until then, reach out to Perth Bariatrics Support Group for more information on how to set yourself up for success.