Circle of Care, weight Loss Surgeon, Bariatric Surgeon, Upper GI Surgeon, Obesity Surgeon, Westmead, Bella Vista, Norwest, Sydney, NSW | 10 Things To Know

10 Things To Know

You may have been contemplating weight loss surgery for some time or may be just commencing your research.

It is a big decision and you may experience many emotions on your journey including trepidation, excitement and nervousness. It’s easy to put off this decision and try to lose the weight one more time,

our experience has shown that the following 10 things may help you to make the right decision for you. If you decide to proceed with weight loss surgery then embrace the Circle of Care program and the expert support around you.

10 Things To Know

Readiness for weight loss surgery.

Readiness for weight loss surgery is essential for success. Consider the following:

  • What are your motivations for seeking weight loss surgery?
  • Is this the right time in your life for weight loss surgery?
  • Do you have the time to commit to the after surgery program?
  • What benefits do you expect from weight loss surgery?
  • Are you motivated to make the required lifestyle changes?
  • Do you have encouragement and support from your family and/or friends?

Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix. Embrace the program because it works.

People who undergo surgery for weight loss are often tempted to just let the surgery do the work without making an effort to adapt to new healthier diet and fitness habits.However, patients who wish to achieve weight loss and maintain a healthy weight will use the surgery as an opportunity to form new habits creating a new healthier way of life. Weight loss surgery is so often the last resort for many people, however, it is not the entire solution. You will need to commit the Circle of Care Program  to help you achieve the lifestyle changes that will enhance your success. Ask questions about the after surgery support and make sure you have the time to commit. Research has shown that people who attend their follow-up support programs achieve much better outcomes than those who rely on the surgery alone.

Be honest with yourself. Remember nobody’s perfect.

Understand there will be times when you may “fall off the rails” due to the pressures of everyday life. You’re not alone, this happens to most of us. Rest assured that the support you need is always available to help you get back on track and to succeed. We will help you to set achievable milestones and review them regularly.

.Some examples:

  • Accept that you may only lose 50% to 60% of your excess weight
  • Your quality of life may improve
  • Your physical and mental health may improve
  • You’ll have more energy

Get to know yourself.

We will help you understand what motivates your behaviour and actions. We work together to develop lifetime strategies to help you on your weight loss journey and afterwards.

What is the right procedure for you?

Research all bariatric procedures carefully. This allows you to think about which type of procedure is suitable for you.

Your surgeon will provide the detail you need to make your final decision.

Know your surgeon. Be prepared for your consultation with your surgeon. Prepare a list of questions and remember to write down the answers. Some questions may include asking about the surgeon’s training, how long he/she has been performing bariatric surgery, what are the outcomes & how long has data been collected and kept, what is the surgeon’s complication and mortality rates.

The importance of the support programs

The Circle of Care Program has been designed to deliver the best tools to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Ask your local clinic about the program and make the commitment to be an active participant. In addition to holding you accountable for your actions, support gives you an outlet to discuss problems and situations with people who are going through the same experience.

Attend your scheduled appointments with all members of the support team and engage in the process. Research shows patients who attend their follow-up appointments on a regular basis have better success.

Will I fail?

You may have been going through a common cycle of a renewed effort to lose weight and failure. You may attribute your lack of success to a failure of effort (low willpower) or a poorly conceived diet (fad diet). This results in a vicious cycle of self-blame and yo-yo dieting. The Circle of Care Program uses a collaborative patient approach to support patients through specific life changes. This approach is more likely to succeed at combating the complex issues that contribute to obesity.

Will I enjoy food again?

Of course! The Circle of Care provides tailored eating plans and resources to ensure that you will still be able to enjoy good food. This includes understanding the importance of eating mindfully, enjoying smaller portions, and eating a variety of healthy foods.

How will my life change?

Many areas of your life maychange after surgery, including physical and mental health, relationships, activity levels, diet and body image, which can be either positive or negative. Your Circle of Care team will guide you through these changes and provide strategies and support to help you plan and organize your life. You will need to do this in order to allow the time and energy required for success.

This includes:

  • Time to attend your clinic for follow up appointments
  • Time to plan and prepare your food
  • Time to add some activity into each day
  • Time for yourself

Where do I start?

You have taken the first step, which is research. There is a lot of information available. You can search the Internet, speak to others who have undergone surgery, attend information seminars or speak with your doctor.

Create a plan. A plan puts in motion the actions to accomplish results. A good plan will provide an opportunity to set a goal and then outline the steps required to achieve that goal.

Make a commitment. The simple fact is we perform better when we are held accountable. That includes being personally and possibly privately accountable to our self when pursing goals that are important to us.

Take Action. Call your Circle of Care Clinic to arrange an appointment on