Our program considers support group meetings to be a vital factor for a successful bariatric patient. Peer support meetings allow you to learn first-hand from others who have had weight loss surgery.
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. Family and friends are always welcome to attend.
We are offering joint support classes with Northeast Georgia Health System. Please contact our office for a schedule of classes or for more information.
Emotional Issues
Bariatric surgery has both physical and mental effects. Common emotions include:
- Depression
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Disappointment
- Helplessness
- Excitement
- Joy
All are normal reactions to the changes that you will experience with a changing body. Remember that bariatric surgery is not intended to fix your everyday problems with friends, family members, employment or social life. This surgery is a tool that allows you to gain control over your health.
Counseling
Occasionally, personal coping difficulties or behavioral modification problems will persist after surgery. Our program offers counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists who are dedicated in the care of bariatric patients not only before surgery for evaluation, but also after surgery, when these issues should be addressed to ensure successful, safe outcomes. In addition, our staff and the hospital bariatric team are readily available to help in the difficult times. Emotional counseling has been proven to help during the phase of adjusting to the new body image and to the numerous changes occurring after surgery.