Lifestyle Changes

Surgery is a Weight Loss Tool 

Weight lost equals self-esteem gained. Many people who experience weight gain experience a diminished sense of self-satisfaction and self-worth. That is, where a person used to be outgoing, happy and interested in life. Weight gain tends to hurt your self image and many slowly become withdrawn and saddened, leading to less engagement in life. This unwanted change is unpleasant and drags down your self-esteem. It is not uncommon that many who have struggled with weight control eventually give up, thinking “what’s the use?” The use comes when – as you are now considering – results change because your efforts change. Weight loss surgery provides a change of efforts, a change of what you physically consume and a change in how you view yourself.

Weight loss surgery will not bring self-esteem right away, but it will provide you with a tool for gradual improvements. The tool is “taking control” of your life in an adaptive and safe way, made possible through weight loss surgery. That is, physically feeling better goes hand-in-hand with living better. Healthy eating, exercise and a gentle encouragement that you are on a good course will get you far. As your weight reduces, expect self-esteem to improve. Positive self-esteem leads to confidence and comfort with socializing and participating in life. It relieves the emotional load of feeling inadequate, unproductive and feeling down. You may also experience  renewed interest in resuming activities and interests you used to do (or pursuing new ones)!

 Weight loss surgery is a tool; it is not a cure. A tool must be used the right way to be of benefit. The most effective way to use this tool is to use it to make lifestyle changes with. After weight loss surgery you will discover that a small amount of food will make you feel full. However, your brain will still be in the habit of eating more than you need. Fortunately for most, one habit (“eat lots”) will be replaced by another habit (“eat enough”) after about 3 weeks of intentional focus on change. Thus, as you work to establish a new routine after surgery, it is very important to specifically focus on adopting an eating habit of enough is enough; the feeling of fullness is already taken care of by the surgery. An inability to do this may cause complications and setbacks. This is why a psychological evaluation is required before surgery. Consideration needs to be given whether you will be able to safely and effectively make behavioral changes. Occasionally behavioral counseling with a psychologist will be required before surgery, or suggested after surgery to assist with making these changes. Occasional “booster” sessions or support group attendance are also known to be very helpful to “keep it fresh.”