Explaining your decision to have weight loss surgery to your friends & family

created by

Reviewed By Patient Coordinator Mim Dickens
Last updated 01/01/2000

created by Reviewed By Patient Coordinator Mim Dickens
Last updated 01/01/01

Deciding to undergo weight loss surgery is a significant and personal choice, often accompanied by a mix of emotions and considerations. Explaining your decision to have weight loss surgery to friends and family can be challenging so we've collated some tips from past patients on how to communicate your decision effectively, ensuring your loved ones understand and support your journey towards a healthier you.

 

 

Over the years we've come to notice that it's not uncommon for individuals to choose to undergo weight loss surgery abroad without letting their friends and family know about it.
Fears of how they'll handle the news, comments they might make and a lack of support being the main reasons people choose to keep their decision secret. We know that finding the right way to broach the topic can be difficult which is why we created our bariatric community on Facebook.
Yet, it's still beneficial to have your friends and family on side with your decision and understanding of benefits it'll have for you.
So, how do you get started? We've got you covered with 5 ways to help you explain your weight loss surgery decision to your family:

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1. Reel out your reasons

The first step you is to ensure they understand what the surgery is all about. 

They may have an idea of why you're doing it but it is important to help them understand how why you've chosen to take this route, how effective the surgery is, and the positive effects it will have on you.

2. Explain the benefits to them

It's common that your close ones may be skeptical of your decision to have surgery. So it's is your duty to highlight the “greener pasture” that awaits you after the procedure. These include:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Curing or putting into remission other conditions linked to obesity
  • A healthier lifestyle
  • Regaining confidence and self-esteem

When they realise that the benefits far outweigh the risks, their fears will be put to rest.

3. Discuss the procedure and clinic with them

This step is to help ease their fears. 

The thought of a surgical operation brings a feeling of nervousness and tension and to that your decision to go abroad for surgery their concerns heighten.

Help ease their nerves by discussing the procedure, what it entails, the success rates and any other information you may have learnt from your consultation and prior research.  

When it comes to having surgery abroad, It's no secret that some destinations have left a negative impression on the idea. Informing them of the benefits of opting for a clinic within the EU (which are regulated by strict European laws)and how it compares to private clinics in the UK will reassure them on your decision.

1. Reel out your reasons

The first step you is to ensure they understand what the surgery is all about. 

They may have an idea of why you're doing it but it is important to help them understand how why you've chosen to take this route, how effective the surgery is, and the positive effects it will have on you.

2. Explain the benefits to them

It's common that your close ones may be skeptical of your decision to have surgery. So it's is your duty to highlight the “greener pasture” that awaits you after the procedure. These include:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Curing or putting into remission other conditions linked to obesity
  • A healthier lifestyle
  • Regaining confidence and self-esteem

When they realise that the benefits far outweigh the risks, their fears will be put to rest.

3. Discuss the procedure and clinic with them

This step is to help ease their fears. 

The thought of a surgical operation brings a feeling of nervousness and tension and to that your decision to go abroad for surgery their concerns heighten.

Help ease their nerves by discussing the procedure, what it entails, the success rates and any other information you may have learnt from your consultation and prior research.  

When it comes to having surgery abroad, It's no secret that some destinations have left a negative impression on the idea. Informing them of the benefits of opting for a clinic within the EU (which are regulated by strict European laws)and how it compares to private clinics in the UK will reassure them on your decision.

Considering weight loss surgery this year? Find out if you’re eligible and start your journey to a healthier you.

4. Enlist support and commitment

We encourage you to enlist the support and commitment of your friends and family. 

The support you get, in addition to that of your support group, will help you to achieve and sustain your weight loss goals.

Invite them to the Patient Facebook Group so they can see first hand the results that others have experienced as well as browse posts from 1000s of past patients sharing their journey. 

By doing so, you reduce the likelihood of leading a new lifestyle without any support from the family. 

5. Carry them along the journey

Don't go through it alone. Bring them into the process and carry them along. 

For example, 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 experience. 

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. 

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. 

If you're still uncertain about how to deal with telling your friends and family about your decision, hope over to the Facebook group and find out how others have broached the topic.

We wish you the best of luck with your journey!

4. Enlist support and commitment

We encourage you to enlist the support and commitment of your friends and family. 

The support you get, in addition to that of your support group, will help you to achieve and sustain your weight loss goals.

Invite them to the Patient Facebook Group so they can see first hand the results that others have experienced as well as browse posts from 1000s of past patients sharing their journey. 

By doing so, you reduce the likelihood of leading a new lifestyle without any support from the family. 

5. Carry them along the journey

Don't go through it alone. Bring them into the process and carry them along. 

For example, 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 experience. 

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. 

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. 

If you're still uncertain about how to deal with telling your friends and family about your decision, hope over to the Facebook group and find out how others have broached the topic.

We wish you the best of luck with your journey!

Connect with others on the same journey as you to lasting weight loss success

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