Millions of Americans struggle every day with their weight. But obesity
presents a special concern and CVMC offers a resoundingly
successful surgical weight loss program for those ready to lose weight for good. However, taking the serious leap
to have surgery is a fantastic start, but in two to three years, if a
physically active lifestyle has not been adopted, it isn’t uncommon
for the weight to return. That’s where CVMC’s Fitness Plus
SWAT team comes in as a critical tool in the weightloss arsenal.
SWAT, an acronym for Sweating Weight Away Together, is the name coined
by members of a class taught by instructor Nancy Gregory. The SWAT class
originated when Nancy was invited to one of the monthly surgical weight
loss support group meetings to introduce yoga moves to help strengthen
participants’ core muscles. After Nancy’s demonstration, quite
a few members really enjoyed the ability to modify poses especially helpful
as the dramatic weight loss shifts their body’s center of gravity.
Since its inception, the class has evolved and is open to anyone. Many
surgical weight loss patients have friends who are excited to support
their life-changing decision.
“When a patient elects such a drastic life-changing weight-loss method
like surgery, their commitment to adopting a physically active lifestyle
along with sustaining healthy eating habits becomes critical to keeping
the weight off and their overall long-term success,” said Libby
Shaver, CVMC Bariatric Surgery Navigator, MSN, RN, CBN.
The class is open to all weight-loss surgery patients no matter who your
surgeon is or where you had your surgery. Whether pre-op, post-op, or
no-op, everyone is welcome to attend the warm and welcoming fitness sessions
where members have created a private Facebook group to keep encouragement
alive and intimidation removed.
“I have seen some phenomenal success stories and I can say without
hesitation that the successful weight-loss surgery patient has incorporated
regular exercise into their daily lives,” said Libby. “The
important thing for you to recognize is how to exercise in order to compliment
your weight-loss efforts and in turn sustain your fitness regimen injury
free!”
If you are not sure bariatric surgery is right for you, attend a
free information seminar to learn more about the CVMC Surgical Weight Management Program or contact
Libby at 828.326.2082.