Weight loss surgery is a personal journey that takes you to places you may not have expected. It is not quite as simple as having surgery and life suddenly becomes perfect. There’s more to it than that. You’ll go through emotional ups and downs that your family may not know how to handle. They may want to help but are just not quite sure how.
Your Spouse Plays a Major Role in your Bariatric Diet
Your husband or wife may be ecstatic about your weight loss and new look. But they also might be a tad bit confused about how to help and show you the support you deserve.
One simple, yet often overlooked, way they can help is to not bring tempting foods into the house. Another way is to compliment you along the way. A little praise can go a long way to keep you motivated.
To help your spouse along be sure to always let them know they are your one and only and you could not do this without their support. Compliments work both ways!
Your Kids can Help with Meal Planning and Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements
What can the kids do you say? Kids are more resourceful than you might think. Have them join you in planning the bariatric meals. Children work well with charts so set up a chart showing what meals you will have. Let them pick a special meal once a week – a meal that of course, you can have on your gastric bypass diet. Soon enough they will know the safe foods.
Another chart your children can help you with is keeping track of your bariatric vitamins and when you need to take which ones. Let them color in the different types of vitamins and supplements – color coding each one. It will help you and make them feel like a big part of your new life.
Parental Support is Key
Your parents can play a major role after your weight loss surgery. They may have some re-learning to do, just like you do.
When you were a child, your parents may have shown their love for you with food. It’s a common occurrence. Letting them know that you are very serious about losing weight and that you love them no matter how much of their big family meals they serve.
They can help greatly by serving foods that fit your bariatric diet. Not only will this help you but it will be a healthier way of eating for them too. Just maybe they will join you on becoming healthier.
Cheering you on is key too. They may be used to and very comfortable with the heavier you. It can be a hard adjustment for some parents. You can let them know by actions that it is still you – just a smaller, improved version.
Share and Share Alike – Spread the Word
You may want to email this post to your family members to give them a little nudge as to how they can play a role in your weight loss. They most certainly love you but are just not quite sure how to help. A little bit of guidance can help you a great deal with your new lifestyle.
