The Benefit of Family Support after Weight Loss Surgery

If you and a close relative such as a spouse, sibling, child or parent are both considering bariatric surgery, you can each increase your success by having your surgery together. It’s no surprise that people who have the support of family, friends, and fellow weight loss surgery patients have better success. By teaming up with a family member, you each have a built-in system to support your weight loss efforts.

In a recent study, 91 participants from 41 families had weight loss surgery. They were compared to a control group who went into surgery with similar BMIs, but who did not have a close relative also having weight loss surgery.

The results showed that having a family member go through surgical weight loss can be a massive advantage. One year after surgery, the family members had lost 30% more weight than those who went it alone. Siblings had an even better advantage, losing 40% more than those in the control group.

The effect on weight-related illnesses was significant, as well. Twice as many of the family members saw improvements in hypertension and type-2 diabetes. Doctors theorize that the reasons families did better was because of the mutual support they gave one another, as well as familial pressure to succeed.

Even if you do not have a family member who wants weight loss surgery, you can still take advantage of support strategies for success. Look for a Bradenton area support group for gastric band and other weight loss surgery procedures. Educate your family about the changes that you will have in your life. Make friends and family members a part of your daily physical activities. By making sure that you do not go it alone, you can assure that you will get the most benefit from your surgery.