OH2018 Fireside Chat: Defusing Regain Triggers After Bariatric Surgery!

July 9, 2018

Losing weight after bariatric surgery is amazing and life-changing! However, with the good, there is also a life-long worry that comes into play: WEIGHT REGAIN.

Did you know that weight regain after bariatric surgery is one of the most searched for topics on ObesityHelp and is discussed daily on OH forums and social media? It is undeniable that regain is often an overwhelming source of shame and embarrassment! The burden of regaining can be so distressing that many people begin to isolate themselves and return to old habits.

This can include things such as:

Avoiding bariatric support groups and conferences
Disappearing from the ObesityHelp forums
Withdrawing from activities with friends and family
Turning to food to cope with the isolation and distress
Avoiding necessary medical follow-up care

Please know that you're not alone. We've heard your voices, concerns and recognize that this is a part of the bariatric surgery journey that must be tackled together!

At the 2017 conference, we had a fantastic panel of Bariatric Surgeons that talked about Maximizing Results, Maintaining Weight Loss & Overcoming Regain. This year, we decided to focus solely on the Mental Health aspects of weight regain because sometimes regain isn’t always about a surgery malfunction, sometimes the culprit is psychological.

We’ve brought together an amazing group of mental health professionals that are dedicated to helping bariatric patients face the fear of regaining and learning to defuse common regain triggers. Let's come together to eliminate shame and embarrassment while shining a light on the importance of seeking Mental Health support on your bariatric surgery journey.

This Fireside Chat will be packed full of helpful information that will help you for the long-haul. Whether you're combating regain right now or want to be proactive, or looking for ways to support a fellow post-op, this discussion will be a valuable tool that you can employ!

There will be time for Q&A, so make sure to bring your questions.

Learn more about the OH2018 Fireside Chat, and check out the full ObesityHelp National Conference Agenda.

OH2018 Fireside Chat: Defusing Regain Triggers

	Carol Rose Adkisson, LMFT, MFC Carol is an author, speaker, Integrated Health and Recovery Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the founder of a group non-profit, The Trauma and Healing Foundation in Fontana, California that offers lower cost counseling to the local community. As a clinician, her treatment is a unique therapy model, interweaving counseling techniques, transformational training and 12-step recovery. Carol has written many books, including a companion workbook. She is also a contributing author on ObesityHelp. In addition to her expertise as a professional, Carol brings in her personal insights as a post-op RNY patient. Learn More about Carol
	Kristin Lloyd, MS, LPC/LMHC, Ph.D.-candidate Kristin has been creating outstanding results for individuals, couples, and organizations for over ten years as an accomplished psychotherapist, transformational mindset mentor, college educator, and consultant. Kristin is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology, a certified Reiki Master, an EFT practitioner, a licensed psychotherapist (in multiple states), and written books and workbooks. Kristin leads bariatric patients and bariatric candidates through massive mindset shifts to help them create lasting behavioral habit changes. As a WLS surgery patient herself, Kristin understands firsthand the dynamics and challenges that are experienced by the bariatric patient. Learn More about Kristin
	Dr. Steven Reyes, EdD Dr. Reyes has specialized in the field of bariatric psychology since 2005 and has worked with thousands of people striving to achieve and maintain their health long-term. He is affiliated with multiple Centers of Excellence (COE) bariatric programs in southern California where he conducts pre-surgery psychological assessments and facilitates pre-surgery educational classes. Dr. Reyes is best known for his compassionate coaching and therapeutic approach to help others with their psychological and physical well-being. With a unique background in marketing, physiology, and addiction, he has a keen understanding for countering the influences that can sabotage lasting change. Learn More about Dr. Reyes
	Facilitator: Diana Vogel, MS, LMFT As a psychotherapist, Diana works with individuals and couples; she also specializes in working with weight loss surgery patients. As a Doctorate student, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, the focus of her research revolves around the various ways in which weight loss surgery impacts marriage and the family unit as a whole. One of her favorite life mottos is, “It’s not what you’re eating, it’s what’s eating you!“. Diana will be the facilitator of the Fireside chat; she'll be sharing professional expertise as a psychotherapist and personal insights as a successful long-term bariatric surgery patient! With her experience as the Conference Emcee, Diana will make sure your questions on weight regain get asked! Learn More about Diana