Some obese individuals choose to undergo weight loss surgery abroad without letting the family know about it.
Even though the decision may not be commendable, some bariatric patients regard it as the best approach. This is because of the life-changing effects on the procedure. Hence they would not want their families to feel awkward about the step they took.
However, it is wise to inform the family before undergoing bariatric surgery. Despite the fact that the procedure is internal, there are chances that the family will notice. When you start skipping certain meals, exercising more than you used to, and taking nutritional supplements, there is a likelihood that your secret will become a public affair.
The problem here is how to approach the family. Also, making them realize the importance of the surgery is another hurdle to face. Finding the right way to broach the issue can be difficult. Yet, it is vital that the family understands the importance of the surgery, and the benefit it has for you. So, how do you get started? We present to you five (5) approaches that will help you explain your weight loss surgery decision to your family.
Letting your family know that you're considering weight loss surgery abroad is a big step. While you need your family for support, you will always have the support of our Patient Community on Facebook. Join today to engage with real patients of weight loss surgery abroad.
1. Reel out your reasons
The first step you have to take is to make them understand what the surgery is all about. It is true that weight loss surgery abroad is on the increase. This does not mean that your family knows about it. Though they may have the idea, it is important to narrow it down to your needs. Let them understand how effective the surgery is, and the positive effects it will have on you.
Your Family may Oppose
Do not expect a fiat pass to undergo the surgery. There is a likelihood that the family may be against the idea. There are many reasons why an opposition will be in place as soon as you bring up the topic. Let's look at some of them so you will have a fair idea of what to expect.
• The “You are not Overweight” talk
It is typical of family members to think you in good health. It is at this stage that you will get responses like “you do not have much weight”, and “we like you as you are”. It is also possible that you will get suggestions on alternative ways of losing weight.
• They’ll Suggest Diets and Exercises
Considering the life-changing aspect of bariatric surgery, your family may suggest alternative weight loss plans. Exercises and healthy dieting are some of the methods they will suggest.
• They don’t want you in pains
Have in mind that your family cares about you. They wouldn’t want you in harm’s way. Hence, your decision of having weight loss surgery abroad may get a nip in the bud. The fact that the procedure is risk-free does not translate to freedom from the pains that are prevalent after the surgery.
• What you have to do
The decision to have the surgery is yours. Do not let anyone disrupt your plans; especially, when you are certain that you need bariatric surgery. To get your family on your side, let them understand the reasons behind your decision.
First, let them know that having extra weight does not only lie in the skin. There are chances that your Body Mass Index (BMI) is on the high side. Hence, it is pertinent to have the surgery as soon as possible.
Second, make them understand that diets and exercises are not effective/do not attain your weight loss goals. Finally, inform them that the procedure is risk-free, and you can lead a normal life afterward.
2. Discuss your chances with the surgery
The second step is helping them give up on their fears. The thought of a surgical operation brings a feeling of unease. Try your best to calm them the tension. Get them to understand that weight loss surgery abroad is not a ticket to the great beyond. On the contrary, it is a procedure that will help you lead a better life.
Discuss your chances with the chosen procedure. Before now, you must have discussed with your doctor on the surgery that will be benefitting to you. With this information, intimate your family about your chance of survival.
Note that you may get suggestions about alternative procedures. If you are convinced about the one you have chosen and gotten your doctor’s consent, do well to maintain your stand. Do not sway or chose a different procedure because your family says so. You are the one to bear the brunt. So, make them see reasons with you. Be friendly when broaching the topic. Also, listen to their perspective, and correct contrary views with caution and respect for the other party’s opinion.
3. Enlist Support and Commitment
Have you ever thought of the implication of weight loss surgery abroad? There is no doubt that it is an option for patients that are morbidly obese or at the risk of obesity-related diseases. Do you know that you are not alone on the weight loss journey? Studies show that the immediate family loses weight as you do. How possible can that be?
We encourage you to enlist the support and commitment of your family. When friends turn away from you because of the inherent lifestyle changes, the family is the only pillar that will hold you down all the way. The support you get, in addition to that of your Support Group, will help you to achieve and sustain your weight loss goals.
So, how does your family lose weight? It boils down to the commitment on your weight loss journey. When you discuss your chances on weight loss surgery abroad, let them understand the lifestyle changes that come with it. By doing so, you cut down the ugly experience of leading a new lifestyle without any support from the family. Now, we’ll look at how the family loses weight alongside the patient, and how you can make this work.
• Explain the Lifestyle Changes
Without mincing words, explain the reason why calorie-filled foods should not be within your view. Findings have it that calories are one of the weight-triggering foods. It is also possible that your family members are ardent fans to canned foods and other calorie-filled foods.
When you explain your inability to take such foods after the surgery, family members tend to take necessary precautions. It could result in their making necessary changes to adapt to your new lifestyle. That could imply consuming fewer calories and making overall changes when it comes to food.
• Decide on your tolerance level
It is true that dietary changes are part of the changes in lifestyle. It is important that you decide on your level of tolerance. Can you bear your siblings or spouse scooping up spoonfuls of ice-cream without getting tempted to take one? Will it better to get those foods out of your reach? When you decide on your level of tolerance, it helps you to make necessary adjustments in the home.
If it entails barring these foods from the home or reducing their consumption, family members will have to conform. This way, they partake in your new lifestyle. When they reduce the intake of foods that trigger obesity, they will save themselves the future hassles of keeping off the weight.
4. Carry the Family Along
Do not be a loner. It is important to have the family’s support. Also, it is better to enlist them into the process and carry them along. Would it be fair to go on walk-out sessions and leave the kids at home? Have in mind that your actions may get a misinterpretation if you do not get the family involved. The involvement we are looking at is on the best way to put them on the line.
Instead of telling the kids that you are on a diet, tell them that you are about to lose weight. When you carry the family along with your weight loss journey, there will be a unified approach to the whole affair. It won’t be a personalized affair where you reel out expectations and fail to give thoughts to the needs of other members.
So, get your kids prepared for the journey. Make sure your spouse is on the same page with you. Your focus should be on integrating other members of the family into your plan. Note that you have the option of cooking your meals. However, this tends to be unfair treatment and can trigger crises in the home. For you to keep your family as one, upgrade them to a healthier lifestyle. Let them join your walk-out sessions, eat the same as you do (if they choose), and take an active part in other lifestyle changing activities. This is a new activity and they may not cope with it.
Release the tension by getting the doctor’s recommendation for lifestyle changes for the family. With this approach, other members of the family will be willing to join you in walking the tight rope of weight loss.
5. Highlight the Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery Abroad
It is common that your family members will be skeptical of the surgery. It is your duty to highlight the “greener pasture” that awaits you after the procedure. When they realize that the benefits outweigh the risks, their fears will be put to rest. There are many reasons why you should undergo weight loss surgery abroad, and you can share some of them with your family.
• Reduced Body Mass
This is the one they can relate to. Few weeks after the procedure, you will start losing a significant amount of weight. So, if you reveal this to other members of the family, they will have more reasons to support your decision.
• Wading off Diseases
This is for patients that are at the risk of obesity-related diseases. Theirs is a double-win. First, they will get rid of the excess kilos of flesh. The other is the chances of getting a cure for obesity-related diseases. Considering the risk of these diseases (such as Type 2 diabetes), family members will readily give their consent. Also, the patient will be solving both life-threatening issues (obesity and diseases) at the same time.
• Promises of Better Life
There is no doubt that you will lead a healthy lifestyle after weight loss surgery abroad. There is a reduction in food intake, healthy meal plan, and other weight loss packages (exercises and nutritional supplements) to help you through the journey.
• Excellent Procedure at low costs
Intimate your family about the excellent bariatric services abroad. There is also a reduction in the cost of the surgery. You tend to get the necessary support from our clinic and seasoned surgeons who are always ready to assist.
Get the Family Involved
Patients may be wondering about the input of the family in their weight loss decision. On this premise, it is important to realize that your friends can turn to foes. You will not be able to keep up with the party life and random eating that characterized your pre-surgery days.
The family is your backbone. That is the reason why you should inform them about your decision to have weight loss surgery abroad. We understand that it can be tough when trying to win the support. Yet, it is something that must be done, and quickly too.
It has become a common practice that patients will keep bariatric surgery secret. This may save the embarrassment for the main time but can bring more embarrassments and alienation when the family finds out. We encourage you to do the right thing by informing the family about your decision.
Yes, it can be a daunting task. You may also get contrary opinions that will discourage you. The tips we provided will help you follow it squarely and get the needed support. Our aim is to help you lose those extra kilos of flesh. The first into the life-changing procedure is to get support, and the tips above will be your guide.
If you'd like to learn more about weight loss surgery abroad, contact Weight Loss Riga.
