We’ve said it before and we will say it again: bariatric surgeries are life-changing. At VIDA Bariatrics we take pride in helping our patients beyond the procedure itself, hence we’d like to discuss a topic many of our patients have dealt with: family and relationships.

Going through a bariatric procedure, such as a Gastric Sleeve, a Lap Band or a Gastric Bypass will mean that your body will go through major changes. However, changes don’t stop there. Your life will go through major adjustments as well! And we want to help you feel better prepared because life changes are not only adjusting your diet with the help of a nutritionist, following an exercise plan, or getting a new wardrobe. Your family and relationships will evolve too. As your support team, we are ready to guide you and help you make the most out of your weight loss surgery.

Changes to relationships are a topic that not enough doctors discuss with their patients. If left unattended, those changes can be negative and overwhelming. But, if you work together with a team of experts like the one at VIDA, who are willing to help you manage those changes and address your concerns from the start, then be prepared to have your life impacted for the better. These are some simple tips we’d like you to consider:

Honest and constant communication. A major challenge is feeling heard and understood. You are the one going through changes, your friends and family are not. It can be a time of adjustment in how you feel, your routine, your self-esteem, how others treat you, etc. The best way to handle this is constant, honest communication. Don’t be afraid to let your partner and close family members know how you feel. Our doctors know how important it is for patients to feel heard and understood. Effective communication is a vital part of this. Communicate what you like, dislike, new challenges that may have arisen from the surgery, etc.

Get your loved ones involved. Another good strategy to deal with the procedure is to make your family an active part of the process. Try to include your partner and close family members in everything you feel comfortable sharing. Once you communicate you are getting bariatric surgery, they will likely be prepared for you to experience major weight loss. It is unlikely, however, that they will be expecting you to go through mental and emotional changes alongside the physical ones. Keep the communication channels open and let them know how you feel. Mental health is important too! Making them part of this evolution in your life will also make them know how important they are to you. Your loved ones will feel a part of your new, post-bariatric surgery life, instead of feeling left behind.

Your habits and routine will change, your partner’s might not. And this is completely normal! After weight loss surgery, the team at VIDA encourages you to make use of all the resources we have available for you. From expert nutritionists to life coaches and plastic surgeons. So, change is in the horizon…for you. However, unless your family members are having bariatric surgery too,  it is not reasonable to expect them to change their lifestyle at the same speed as you. Our advice goes again to communication. Ask for support in these areas, but be understanding if maybe your partner is not keen on the idea of going on power walks every morning, or following your diet plan. Your new lifestyle involves an adaptation process. The best idea is to involve your family in this process and see what changes you can share with them and what changes will work only for you.

Ask for help if you need it. From professional counseling to an honest conversation, it is okay to ask for your family’s support throughout this process. As you prepare to undergo surgery or get ready to go back home and live with your new body, it is normal to feel scared or unsure about what to expect. Apart from discussing it with your surgeon, share your feelings with your loved ones. As we like to say, “Help them help you!” Your loved ones won’t always be able to tell when you need help, so share this with them. There will be times in your weight loss journey when you will need help, be it physical or emotional. You are not weak for needing help, it is a normal part of the process.

Don’t be hard on yourself or your partner. Always remember that you are doing this for all the benefits bariatric surgery can offer, to beat obesity and live a better, healthier life. The weight loss process may be challenging sometimes, for you and those around you. This is normal! Our doctors always remind us that no two patients are the same. Just like they take the time to discuss and plan the surgery specifically for you, remember that the before and after the process will also be specifically yours. Spend quality time with your family and share your fears and your gratitude too! Remember that your body will change and your life too. This sounds redundant, but sometimes, a simple reminder can help you and your family cope with the changes ahead. Get ready to live a healthier life!

At VIDA, we strive for patient satisfaction and well-being, in the long term! We’re in it with you! Our staff of bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, nurses, and life coaches are more than happy to help you make the most out of your bariatric procedure. Ready to finally beat obesity but have questions or concerns about how to include your family in this process? We are here for you!  You can visit our website or contact us via phone, email, or Facebook. Call us at (664) 608-6460 from Mexico, at (619) 955-6845 from USA or reach us at our toll-free number, 1-619-738-2144. We are also available via email at contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com. Let us help you conquer obesity and improve your life for good!

DR. GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ RUIZ MD Ph.D. FACS

Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez specializes in General and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. She brings to VIDA Wellness and Beauty a wealth of experience in bariatrics. Dr. Rodriguez is a founding associate of the Mexican College of General Surgeons. A world-class bariatric surgeon with double certification in the US and Mexico.