Gastric Bypass Forum

If you are wondering if becoming a member of a gastric bypass forum is a good idea, in a word the answer is “yes.” Being successful at losing weight and keeping it off is about eating a healthy diet and exercising, but a big part of it is also about what goes on in your head. In most cases, you will not be able to solve all of these problems on your own. And this is where your support system will come in.

Having a good support system is just as important as eating the right foods in the right quantities and exercising regularly. Most people that became obese did not get that way solely be overeating and not exercising. There was also some eating for comfort and eating when you were not hungry. When I make this statement I am speaking for myself, but I am also speaking for many of you. I am of the firm belief that no one gets to be 100 pounds overweight by mindlessly eating in front of the TV. It is more about eating because of boredom, stress, anger or any number of other emotions.

Just because you have had weight loss surgery does not mean that the way you deal with your feelings has changed. I look on losing weight as a process, whether you have had surgery or not. It is about making positive changes in your life that are going to help you reach your goals and be a better person at the end of the day. Part of this process has got to be learning about your relationship with food and changing it from a destructive relationship to a life sustaining relationship.

With all that being said, you do have some options for a support system. Some people may be fine with just one avenue of support and others may opt to use several methods for dealing with compulsive eating. Here are a few of the alternatives that will help you and others deal with eating for reasons other than hunger.

Overeaters Anonymous-This is a 12-step program to help individuals deal with compulsive overeating. I consider it spiritual. It does require writing, phone calls and email to be successful. Most large cities have several meetings that are held weekly. They do also have a large online resource. You can attend interactive meetings, get a sponsor and get help with a food plan all online.

Forums and Bulletin Boards-There is no shortage of online resources for interactive weight loss help. Most of the well known weight loss programs (Weight Watchers, eDiets, Medifast, The Biggest Loser Club) all have forums that come along with their memberships. These sites all have resources for nutrition, exercise and tracking.

Support Groups- Most gastric bypass surgery programs are affiliated with some type of support group. It has been shown that the weight loss surgery patients that participate in aftercare programs have better success with losing weight and keeping it off. If you are looking for this type of program, check with hospitals or bariatric surgery centers that perform weight loss surgery.

Private Counseling-There are private counselors that offer assistance when it comes to dealing with any number of issues. This is probably going to be the most expensive option for a support system, but there are times that this intensive type of therapy is needed. Most hospitals and bariatric surgery centers are affiliate with or have licensed counselors on staff.

There is more to losing weight than having surgery. The weight will come off quickly for 9-12 months. After that, you will not be a whole lot different than anyone else. You will have to eat right and exercise. You will also have to learn to deal with life on life’s terms. There are no shortcuts when it comes to being healthy. It takes work and doing the right thing 80 percent of the time.