Common Experiences After Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a major life event. It isn’t a magic fix, but rather a tool to improve your overall health in the long-term. The hard work comes after bariatric surgery – creating positive, healthy lifestyle changes that support your personal journey. While everyone’s journey looks a little bit different, there are some common experiences many people go through after weight loss surgery.
Physical Changes
One of the most common experiences after weight loss surgery is rapid weight loss. Patients can expect to lose a significant amount of weight in the first few months after surgery, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s important to keep in mind that weight loss will slow down over time. It’s even more important to set realistic goals for yourself to avoid disappointment (link to previous blog).
Along with a change in dietary habits, some people may experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies after weight loss surgery. Since the stomach is smaller, it can’t hold as much food, so you may not be able to eat enough to get all the nutrients you need. To help with this, you may have to take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure you are getting everything you need.
Emotional Changes
An important part of your post-surgery journey is taking care of your mental wellbeing. Many patients find that weight loss surgery has an impact on their mental health. There are many reasons why patient’s struggle emotionally. Firstly, losing weight can be a big change, and you may have to adjust to a new way of life, deal with emotional baggage related to your weight, and learn how to accept your new body. Additionally, some people have extra skin after weight loss surgery and may opt for surgery to remove it.
There are also many social and situational pressures that can impact your emotional state post surgery. This includes internal and external pressures and expectations from social media and online resources. This is why managing your expectations, knowing what to do, and having the right support around you is key to your journey.
Before your surgery, we encourage you to spend as much time with your surgical team to help you manage your expectations and set realistic goals. After surgery, your team will give you a detailed plan to help you recover and maintain weight loss. They are here to support you along your journey and to help you achieve your goal. It is important that you follow their advice and reach out to them whenever you are worried or confused.
And remember, your journey will look different from everyone else’s – so stop comparing yourself. Be patient, focus on the long-term destination and take every step that you can take to help get there.