As a medical assistant working in bariatrics for the past 6 years I have had the privilege to watch and be a part of a multitude of patient journeys. When I meet these patients for the first time I often hear how long they have been contemplating surgery, but withheld pursuing it because someone talked them out of it or they read something that scared them away, but eventually they each found their way to our office.
Here is my first piece of advice, educate yourselves. Read the articles that are fact based and knowledgeable. Attend one of our surgical seminars to obtain more information. Our staff is educated and knowledgeable, we are here for a reason, use us and let us help you maximize your success.
Second piece of advice, find your support system. Surround yourself with people that are going to support your decision and new way of life from the get go. People that will hold you accountable during your journey. Going back to my first encounter with patients I also hear how dissatisfied they are with their health and quality of life. I’ve sat with them as they've hoped desperately that surgery will give them a healthier and better quality of life. These same patients return after surgery and you can see a new sparkle in their eye and hear hope in their voice. It is truly an extraordinary experience to see that transition and I am thankful to be apart of.
So here is my third piece of advice, find your hope. Embrace it and let it lead you through the journey. Weight loss is difficult and there are ups and downs even after surgery. Hope and Dr. Sweeney and our office support will get you through the “hard” days. Always remember those hard days are just days and not the end all be all. This is a journey and not a race.
This is a big one. My fourth piece of advice, do not compare your journey to others. There is no finish line. Comparing yourself to others can be disheartening and discouraging as with anything in life, this is why you have to remind yourself that you are on your own path and going at your own rate. Listen to Dr. Sweeney and you will be successful.
Lastly, fifth piece of advice is to utilize our support staff. Again, we are here for you and we want you to be successful. There are a multitude of benefits that come with meeting with our dietitians and social workers. Weight loss comes with stalls and mental frustrations. It also comes with milestones and success.
We are here to stand by you during the good times and the hard times. I hope you find this advice beneficial and that one day I have the privilege of watching and being a part of your weight loss journey.