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Step 1
Ask the patient if he wants your help before the surgery. Some people may not want a lot of people around them as they recover, and it is important that you get permission to provide assistance.
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Step 2
Offer to drive the patient home from the hospital. While the patient may be feeling fine, it is likely that the pain medications will cause drowsiness and make driving unsafe.
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Step 3
Help with household chores. Bariatric patients should return to normal activities as soon as possible, but they experience fatigue more quickly than they are used to in the beginning. Taking on some of the cooking, child care and other responsibilities for the house will help the patient focus on trying to recover.
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Step 4
Encourage exercise. Bariatric patients should exercise everyday, and that is probably new to them because they are obese. Going with the patient on a walk outside for 15 to 30 minutes will make it more enjoyable and less of a chore.
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Step 5
Offer a shoulder. Recovering from any surgery, but particularly one as drastic as bariatric surgery, can be emotionally draining. Having someone to talk to about both the successes and failures can make a huge difference.
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Step 6
Encourage the patient to join a support group either in person or online. It is very helpful to discuss the weight loss process with others going through the same thing and trade eating tips.
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Step 7
Pour on the praise. Nothing is more encouraging than knowing that others are recognizing your hard work and achievement. Telling someone how good they look will help with motivation.
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Step 8
Learn about bariatric surgery so you can use the right language when you talk to the patient. This will also show the patient that you took the time to do the research.
