As you prepare for weight loss surgery, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. Hopefully one of them is excitement as we are excited for you and the commitment you have made to work toward a healthier lifestyle. Weight loss surgery never has been or will be the “easy way out”. This is why we feel the support you receive before and after surgery are vital to your long term success! Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) requires all patients to participate in a comprehensive Education Program to help you prepare, and continue to support you on your journey after weight loss surgery.
One suggestion RMAP surgeons have for those considering weight loss surgery, is to speak with someone who has had surgery. Go directly to the source. Ask questions about how they prepared for surgery, their recovery and tips they have found helpful throughout their journey.
If you are interested in talking with someone who has had weight loss surgery, you can read Patient Stories on our blog.
On Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians Facebook page, weight loss surgery patients were asked:
“What advice do you have for patients considering weight loss surgery?”
Amber – Don’t compare yourself to others because it is an exercise in frustration. The journey is so unique to the individual.
Tom- Start making the recommended lifestyle changes before surgery.
Tom W.- To become as active as possible in our support group; I feel like I have been successful thus far on my journey, and I owe most of it to the RMAP staff and the support group always being here for me.
Nancy- Attend support group and remember that each of us has a different journey.
Brent- Remember that the surgery is a choice each of us make, but those choices do not end with the surgery. We need to choose to give up bad habits and replace them with good ones. We choose to exercise. We choose to follow the rules in the manual. And we choose our attitude about how we approach this all. Another suggestion: Choose to be active in the groups, make friends and do not be afraid to ask questions or vent buy phentermine lollipops when needed.
Sheila- Pay attention in the first beginning classes and don’t forget the blue book.
Brenda- Attend and participate in support group. I would also like to add that it helps to start the lifestyle changes before surgery to get the jump start and new mind set.
Linda- This is a huge commitment for the rest of your life, so be willing to commit your all to it, and it’s important those around you honor you in your choice and your commitment to your choice.
Lauralee- Start working out, as much as you can, as soon as you can. No excuses. Excuses got you to the point you’re at!
Cindy- It’s important to work on your mental preparation as your physicial change. Go to support group. It really is a great source of support on your journey.
Jeanette- It is the change in your head that is the most important change you will make. Without that, you may have some weight loss, but you will not have a truly successful journey.
Barb- DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR WEIGHT LOSS TO ANYONE ELSE. Guys usually lose weight faster. Our bodies are all different so we all lose different. Sometimes when you are not losing weight, you may be losing inches. Before surgery, measure yourself. Neve rput yourself down because you don’t think you are losing fast enough. Good luck.
Tracey- Don’t compare, everyone is different, prepare/make lifestyle changes before the surgery, start working out, go to support group, etc., but also for me, I wanted every form of mental support available including individual therapy. For me, it is a mental and emotional addiction to food. If I don’t address the emotional aspects, I will fail. Also, realizing this is a life long change and lifetime commitment is key to success…and no matter what challenges I face, this is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
Read more Patient Stories on our blog here.
What advice do you have?
www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124