Bariatric Surgery is a Tool not a Magic Pill

Some people who choose bariatric surgery are under the impression that the surgery will solve all their problems and/or  improve their relationships with others. Bariatric surgery is not a magic pill.   It is a tool to help you get started on your weight loss journey.

Just as it is important to plan ahead for the changes you will need to make in your eating and exercise habits,  it is critical that you prepare yourself for some of the psychological issues that may arise as you begin to adjust to your new body and your new life.  As the saying goes,  "failure to plan is planning to fail."
 

Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

Set Realistic Expectations

Be sure to consider your expectations around weight loss goals, lifestyle and relationships.  Talk to your family, friends and treatment team about your goals and expectations. 

Make sure you are being honest with yourself and not setting yourself up for failure. This is not just about weight loss.  It is a long term lifestyle change. Perspective

Issues around weight loss can be unsettling.  They range from feeling like you are losing control if the weight loss is happening quickly or you may feel discouraged or hopeless if you are not losing as much as you had expected.    Talk to others who are going through or have been through the process. Journal about your feelings.  Reach out for support to your treatment team.  Do not avoid the feelings because this could lead to depression or anxiety.

After years of yo-yo dieting, this dramatic weight loss could lead to feelings of elatedness. It is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase.” You may feel as if your weight problems are over forever.  While it is important to celebrate your feelings,  it is equally important to be aware that you could be setting yourself up for disappointment when this phase is over and you are no longer losing weight.  If you gain any weight back,  you could feel depressed, shamed or extremely anxious or fearful that you will gain it all back.

If you experience any significant changes in mood, attitude or activity level,  it is critical that you seek professional help. You may feel ashamed or embarassed and as if you are a failure.  Your treatment team will understand and be there for you while you are experiencing these feelings.  If you repress your feelings,  you will end up relapsing into old behaviors (eating) to cope with your feelings.

You may feel a sense of loss after bariatric surgery. Food was a very important and central part of your life. You likely spent hours planning, acquiring and thinking about food. This food obsession may have consumed your life. You may have used food to comfort yourself, to provide an activity or as a reward or to relieve stress after an exhausting day.  Exercise and talking to friends are great ways to cope with loss.

Food may have also been an integral part of your social life. How can you attend a party or go out to lunch with colleagues now that you can’t eat the way you used to?
You may have to say no to certain activities that revolve around food or to spending time with friends with whom you used to eat (sometimes referred to as "binge buddies."  This can cause conflicts in relationships that used to be stable.

Bariatric-surgery regret may also occur. You may long for the old days when you could sit by the t.v. for hours eating your favorite snacks.  Former occasions that used to revolve around food will be challenging. You will have to find alternate ways to enjoy yourself in social situations, on vacation or during holidays.   

Disordered Eating

Believe it or not,  people who have bariatric surgery sometimes develop the type of disordered eating that can turn into an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
Hyper-focus on food, eating and exercise can lead to eating disordered behavior. The best way to prevent disordered eating or a full blown eating disorder is to stay honest with yourself and others,  work towards a "moderation mindset" with eating and exercise and seek professional help if you notice any of the following behaviors:

- vomiting after meals on a regular basis, chewing and spitting food
- becoming hyper focused exercise, the number on the scale or clothing size
- significant changes in your behavior such as avoiding activities or people you enjoy, isolating
- mood changes such as anxiety, depression or increased irritability

If there is any question that you might be developing an eating disorder,  refer to the eating disorder information on this website.