Healthy Connections
PrintA guide to better health from Backus
August 2010
Support groups enlighten the weight loss journey
They say exercising with a partner can increase the chances of success. The same theory holds true with weight loss surgery — there is strength in numbers.
An important feature of the Backus Weight Loss Center is the ongoing support and counseling of- fered to patients during their weight-loss journey.
“We are very excited to offer the LAP-BAND® surgery,” said Backus Diabetes Management Center nurse Elizabeth Sibicky, who underwent the gastric bypass surgery seven years ago. “This is a tool, not a cure or a quick fix, but a tool that helps patients who are obese regain their health.”
Because she underwent weight loss surgery herself, Ms. Sibicky understands how important lifestyle changes are after surgery.
She said patients who have enrolled for the new Backus program are incredibly positive and enthusiastic that bariatric surgery is being offered locally.
“We spend a long time preparing the patients, to make sure they have the motivation to follow through,” said Ms. Sibicky, who in her role as a diabetes nurse has worked with bariatric patients in the past, helping them manage metabolic diseases, counseling them on lifestyle changes, emotional and psychological issues.
Monthly informational seminars will be of- fered at the Backus Outpatient Care Center, with support groups after surgery on a quarterly basis. Patients can share common experiences and gain support from their peers and staff.
The meetings will offer recipes, shopping lists and cooking demonstrations to help support and develop healthy eating habits.