This is a huge change in your life and all change is hard. So make the time to emotionally prepare for weight loss surgery. Here, we look at a few things you can do as a starting point.
Set realistic expectations
Weight loss surgery does not yield immediate results. In fact, the accumulated fluid from surgery can cause you to gain weight shortly after your procedure. When post-surgery guidelines and guidance are followed, most patients lose about half of their excess weight after six months or so. More likely than not, weight loss after 6-months is minimal.
You may even reach a weight loss plateau sooner, which is not uncommon. So speak with your bariatric surgeon to get a better sense of what to expect from your surgery. Know, too, that the particular surgery you chose will effect how much weight you will lose. Do not set yourself up for disappointment by setting unrealistic weight loss goals or expectations. And emotionally prepare for weight loss surgery pitfalls, such as stalls and not hitting goal weight.
And don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the same results as someone else. Everyone is different. And genetics, overall health, age, lifestyle and habits play a huge role in weight loss.
Address root causes of overeating
If you have food addiction or emotional eating problems then address this prior to weight loss surgery. Because having a smaller stomach will not curb your emotional desire or compulsion to overeat. And this could be physically dangerous. As well, you must emotionally prepare for weight loss surgery dietary portions, which will look very small on your plate.
Make the most of the time you have before surgery to address what caused your weight gain in the first place.
Working with a therapist to find healthy ways to deal with stress eating triggers may be part of this process. Also, depression can make it more difficult to adapt to post-surgery eating restrictions. However, positive coping mechanisms will help reduce the likelihood of reverting to your ingrained, unhealthy coping mechanisms. Consider treating the underlying causes of your anxiety. And instead of turning to food to deal with it, look at drinks for anxiety.
Reward yourself
Instead of getting disappointed with what you will not be able to consume on a daily basis following weight loss surgery, concentrate on inspiring, non-food incentives. For example, if you adhere to your new diet and exercise plan and meet your original weight loss goals, you can decide to reward yourself with a trip to a favorite vacation spot with friends or family.
All bariatric surgeries are more likely to have a positive result if patients approach the operation with the right attitude. If you need extra assistance with emotional preparations while you prepare for weight loss surgery, speak with your doctor or find a support network of people who are going through the same thing.
Final thoughts to emotionally prepare for weight loss surgery
Always remember that weight loss surgery is just the start and not the end of your journey. And you still have a long road to travel on your weight-loss journey. So being emotionally prepared for weight loss surgery will ensure you are as successful as you can be and get the most out of it.
In good health,
Robert Borne
