Episode 80: How Chronic Diseases like Obesity and Addiction Affect the Family

When a person has a chronic disease like obesity or addiction, everyone in their world is in some way affected. Family members, in particular, are impacted by the presence of a chronic disease suffered by one of its members. In the case of obesity or addiction, family members worry. They are scared about the health of their loved one. They worry about the emotional ups and downs that accompany periods of triumph over the disease followed by episodes of distress, emotion, anger and despair when there is weight regain or relapse. Family members are called upon to carry additional responsibilities if the person suffering from the disease is unwilling or unable to fulfill obligations or participate in social or recreational activities with the family. All family members, to include the person suffering from the disease, experience an array of emotions to include anger, sadness, frustration, compassion and concern about the disease and how it is affecting family relationships. Listen in to learn more about how chronic disease is affecting your family. 

Also, please invite anyone you know who has had bariatric surgery, or who is planning to have bariatric surgery, to listen to the BariAftercare podcast. And for more information on the entire BariAftercare program at www.bariaftercare.com.

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