Bariatric surgery can be an effective way to lose weight, particularly if other options haven’t enabled you to achieve your goals. However, any type of weight loss has an impact on your mental health. Fortunately, many clinicians ensure their patients have access to emotional support and counseling prior to and following bariatric surgery.
Of course, being proactive about your mental health is always beneficial. By taking these steps to look after your mental wellbeing after bariatric surgery, you can keep your mind healthy and look forward to a successful recovery…
Assess your feelings about your body
If you’ve struggled with your weight for some time, there may be underlying reasons for your weight gain. While bariatric surgery will help you to shed excess pounds, it won’t radically transform your way of thinking. By identifying these underlying issues, you can work through them effectively and change your mind, as well as your body.
Start enjoying exercise
Exercise is important, whatever your size. However, it doesn’t just enhance your physical wellbeing; it’s essential for good mental health, too. Although you may not be able to move around much straight after your surgery, discuss a potential exercise plan with your doctors. By embarking on an appropriate fitness regime once you’re fully recovered, you can enhance the impact of your surgery and benefit from the increased endorphins flowing around your body.
Seek professional guidance
Although your bariatric surgeon should discuss every possible outcome with you prior to scheduling your surgery, things don’t always go to plan. If you’re experiencing complications following bariatric surgery, it can be good to get an independent opinion from a profession.
Many lawyers specialize in these types of situations, so you can access an impartial and unbiased opinion whenever you need to. By choosing a personal injury law firm with heaps of stellar client reviews, you can find an attorney who understands your situation. What’s more – a lawyer with a specialist interest in medical cases and bariatric surgeries will have insight into how you’re feeling in the weeks and months following your treatment.
Work with a bariatric psychologist
If your doctor hasn’t referred you to a bariatric psychologist, focus on finding a specialist in post-bariatric counseling yourself. Although a gastric band, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass isn’t a cure-all, bariatric surgery is truly a transformative experience. Many people expect weight loss surgery to have a major impact on their body but are surprised by the profound effect it has on their mind.
Seeing a psychologist or counselor will ensure you have the expert help and support you need as you adjust to your new body shape and emotional outlook.
Preparing for bariatric surgery
Before you decide to have weight loss surgery, be sure you understand the implications. Many people are understandably excited by the idea of having bariatric surgery that they overlook the emotional impact of their transformation. By researching the process thoroughly, talking to other people and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure you’re physically and mentally prepared for weight loss surgery.
Living larger than ever,
My Bariatric Life
