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Bariatric Support Group Ideas

Bariatric surgery, also know as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure that alters a person's digestive system in a way that limits the amount of food the person is able to consume, in order to assist with weight loss and reduce the risk of medical problems associated with obesity. Topics for bariatric support groups aim to help change eating habits and learn about proper nutritional, physical, mental and emotional health and can also offer important information about issues surrounding the surgery itself.

  1. Diet and Nutrition

    • Support groups that focus on diet and nutrition help participants learn about the best ways for them to eat after bariatric surgery. This can take the form of either having guest speakers who are experts in a certain area or a group discussion with a facilitator where participants can share their experiences. Diet and nutrition topics specific to bariatric surgery patients include hypoglycemia, diets that are good for bariatric recovery, eating for the heart and stomach, learning about the food pyramid, vegetarianism and the use of dietary supplements. Groups may also benefit from discussions around healthy eating and dining out or eating at home.

    Mental and Emotional Health

    • Support groups can be a place in which people in recovery from bariatric surgery can discuss how the surgery may impact their life. Psychological issues such as food addiction and eating disorders are important topics for these groups, and can be discussed both in terms of personal experiences and with input by a trained therapist. Participants can discuss the role that food plays in their lives, both prior to and after the surgery, as well as how the surgery and new ways of eating may have affected them emotionally and in their personal relationships.

    Risks

    • Support group topics for people considering bariatric surgery focus on the risks involved as well as the importance of self-care after the surgery. Risks that should be discussed include blood clots in the legs, leaking at the area of surgery, pneumonia, narrowing of the opening of the stomach and small intestine, dumping syndrome, gallstones, hernia, low blood sugar and kidney stones. In some cases, the surgery can result in death. Support groups can help those considering the surgery by discussing the concerns of patients around these issues and ways they may limit their risks.

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