Emotional Challenges After Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric surgery is a major life change for many people, and it can be very beneficial. However, just like any other major life change there are emotional challenges that come with the transition from being obese to being slimmer.

This article will discuss some of the most common emotional issues that might arise after bariatric surgery and offer some positive ways to combat these issues.

Emotional Issues After Gastric Bypass

Just like with any other major life change, emotional issues are very common after bariatric surgery. This is especially true if the person was obese for a long period of time because they have more emotional baggage related to being overweight. Also there may be underlying issues which initially caused overeating and weight gain in the first place and these issues will have to be dealt with after surgery.

Negative Thinking

One of the most common emotional issues that people can face after bariatric surgery is negative thinking. Many people who have been morbidly obese for a long time can lack confidence and may have low self-esteem. This issue can be exacerbated by many of the emotional changes that go along with bariatric surgery, such as depression and anxiety.

Using positive thinking is one way to combat negative thoughts and emotions. Positive thinking can strengthen emotional bonds and increase emotional intelligence, which in turn will help one overcome any challenges they face.

Positive thinking is the first step to emotional strength and emotional intelligence. When losing weight don’t focus on the failures, plateaus and stalls. Focus on the small achievements, the small losses and try to think of the bigger picture.

Body Image Issues

Another emotional issue that people deal with after bariatric surgery is body image issues. It can take a while for someone to adjust their outlook on how they think about themselves now that they are slimmer and have had weight loss surgery.

Although it might be difficult, it is important to keep a positive outlook on yourself and your body.

If emotional issues arise after bariatric surgery, it is important to seek emotional support. Support groups and therapy can be very helpful for people who are struggling with their emotions after surgery.

Coping With Excess Skin

For some people there may be a struggle to accept excess skin and stretch marks, after weight loss but it is important to remember that these are only physical changes and don’t define who you are.

Keep this in mind when you are dealing with excess skin after weight loss. Sometimes people assume weight loss will solve all your problems however that is not always the case.

If you are struggling to accept yourself, look at other things in your life which make you happy because positive thinking is the easiest way to feel good about yourself

Addiction After Weight Loss Surgery

Whilst overeating and food addiction can sometimes be a root cause for obesity, weight loss surgery can make overeating very difficult resulting in the transferring one addiction for another.

Some people find that they may move from one addiction after weight loss surgery to another. For example someone who was reliant on food may now become reliant on medications, cigarettes or develop alcohol addiction.

Addiction is not only harmful to the person but it can also cause problems for those around them if they become reliant on addictive substances. If anyone does struggle with addiction after bariatric surgery, professional advice and support from addiction experts should be sought.

Overcoming Emotional Struggles After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass surgery is a major decision and one that should be carefully considered after weighing up all the pros and cons.

One of the top benefits of weight loss surgery is that it can help people to lose significant amounts of weight quickly, but with rapid weight loss can come other issues which can make life very difficult.

One might recommend they see a therapist for the issues they are facing after bariatric surgery in order to overcome these challenges. 

One of the top ways in which people over come their struggles is by focusing on the positives instead of getting stuck on negative thoughts. A healthy outlook will greatly help when overcoming any emotional challenge that you face after weight loss surgery.

Focus on the glass being half full rather than being half empty, write a journal, practice mindfulness and ensure you have plenty of support as you undertake your weight loss journey.