Self-Perception and Obesity
Obesity is both an emotional and physical condition. It promotes apprehension and personal doubt that can spark self-analysis about weight gain and how it came to be. Obese people can also be hyper-critical about who they are and pass judgments that violate their own best interest. Emotions often overrule rationale and shred self-esteem.
An obese person might be consumed by guilt because he often lacks the energy to play with his children. An obese person may feel ashamed to go out with friends because he believes others stare or pass hurtful comments about him in low tones. An obese person might grocery shop only after hours so the contents of his cart will not be cause to judge him.
Emotions might prove to be persistent opponents even after weight is lost because the history of negativity that stems from obesity has become so ingrained. Read: Stigma About Obesity Remains After Weight Loss.
Weight-Loss Surgery and Beyond
The changes that result from weight-loss affect careers, relationships, marriage, and friendships. A person may be viewed more positively in the workplace after losing weight. Friends might gravitate toward a person because he is now more energetic and socially active. Spouses or significant others might find their slimmed down partners more attractive and become more romantic.
On the other hand, jealousy may become an issue. Perhaps old friends no longer feel comfortable with a person because they cannot keep up with his new found energy. Perhaps spouses and significant others were satisfied with who a person was and never wanted changes at all. Read: Divorce After Weight Loss Surgery Here’s Why
Either way, there will be emotions as we adjust to our new, thinner selves. Familiarity might be lost as we explore the new person we are becoming. Read: Finding Self-Acceptance After Weight Loss We are no longer lost in a crowd. In fact, we may be the center of attention. We are given compliments and people are curious about the changes we have made. It is all unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable.
Post-Surgery Adjustment of Emotions
It is important to stay emotionally grounded after surgery, so here are a few things a person can do to help accomplish that.
- To begin, follow you doctor’s suggestions. Stick to dietary changes. Read: Meal Planning Tips For Weight Loss
- Take care of your physical needs, and get the proper amount of rest. Read: Sleep Loss Causes Weight Gain
- Try keeping a journal to help you assess and control emotions and to monitor if you might sometimes be emotionally eating.
- Set goals for yourself and keep them realistic and attainable. Modify them if needed.
- Reflect on your past and recall the moment you recognized the need for change.
- Celebrate your success. Recognize your efforts and the results of those efforts.
- Be grateful for what you have accomplished but remember that there is more work to come.
In good health,
Robert Borne
Content is the opinion of the author and does not constitute or is a replacement for medical advice.
