Coping is a deliberate effort made by an individual to solve personal and interpersonal problems. Coping is a reaction to things that affect an individual in the environment. It is a survival technique in which a person aims to master or tolerate environmental stressors. The ability to cope varies among individuals. A number of factors contribute to a person's ability to cope. The type of stressor, the person and the environment are key determinants. The ability to cope can succeed or fail. When coping fails, the result is maladaptive behavior. There are numerous coping mechanisms, which can be divided into three. The assessment-focused coping mechanism is when an individual challenges himself or herself by confronting his or her assumptions. In the problem-centered approach, coping aims to reduce or eliminate the stressor. In the emotion-centered approach, an individual aims to modify his or her own emotional response to various stressors.

Preparation

Pre-operative testing and medical clearance

The pace of life in New York can be very hectic. Try to remember that your decision for surgery reflects the fact that you have decided to take a proactive step to fix a health problem. Do not be shy about asking for help from your family and loved ones.

What can I do to prepare for surgery?

Bariatric surgery is like other major abdominal surgery. You can best prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery, and by closely following your doctor's instructions.

– Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward.
– Keep in mind that you’ll never be able to eat the way you did before, and that you’ll have to watch what and how you eat for the rest of your life.
– Talk to people who have had bariatric surgery.
– Write down your reasons for having bariatric surgery and outline your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery.
– Practice the post-op diet

What is the percentage of patients that gain their weight back?

A majority of patients will regain some weight after a bariatric surgical procedure. The amount regained ranges between a few pounds and all of the weight lost during the operation. The amount of weight regained after the operation is dependent on many factors and this is one of the reasons why so much stress and attention is made to the importance of a healthy lifestyle during the pre-op and post-surgical period.

For laparoscopic gastric bypass, long term weight loss after gastric bypass is suggested to be approximately 60-70% of your excess body weight at 2 years, and 45-50% of your

What type of post op support do you have?

We have weekly support groups in both English and Spanish. Please call the office to check which is scheduled.

Detailed question

There are a multitude of questions that people have regarding support after the operation. We have moved away from large support groups to smaller groups.

What type of post op support do you have?

The group meetings that you attended prior to surgery are available to all patients post surgery. We encourage you to remain part of the bariatric patient community. It is a good idea to come and ask questions and network with other patients. As you lose weight and gain confidence and enthusiasm it is important to remember that the surgery is not a cure for obesity. Attending group meeting will remind you that weight gain is a possibility and weight maintenance is hard work. If you have specific food related questions and already a patient of Dr. Belsley that please feel free to reach out to

Is there an online support system of call center if I can't make it to group?

If you are unable to attend a group meeting you can call the office or email questions at any time. You can schedule a phone consult with the dietitian during office hours. You will not have the same experience as meeting with other patients in person. You may benefit from listening to their ideas and questions as well. There is no sense of urgency for the group meetings and you can come when it is convenient for you to attend.

Weight Stigma and Social Pressure

Being obese in the US is frequently accompanied by exposure to weight-related pressure and prejudice from a variety of sources, ranging from negative portrayals of obese individuals in the media to interpersonal difficulties with family members and co-workers. This can lead to negative physical and physiological health outcomes and is also associated with increased weight gain.

Choices

The Power of Choice

Many people have tried every diet, pill and program to shed pounds; but have been unable to lose the weight or maintain the weight loss. Often these people explore the idea of metabolic surgery as a way to gain control and make permanent lifestyle changes.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity and its Related Pressures and Prejudice

Childhood obesity can be damaging to physical well-being and also carries negative emotional and social consequences. Overweight and obese children are frequently stereotyped within the media and subjected to teasing and discrimination across a range of different environments.

Walking

Walking for Weight Loss

Every successful weight loss program includes both a meal plan and an exercise regimen. More than likely if you are struggling with obesity it has probably already been advised that you introduce some type of cardiovascular exercise into your lifestyle. These aerobic activities include; walking, running, cycling, spinning, swimming and dance classes.