Managing obesity calls for integrated, physical, nutritional, multidisciplinary, and psychological interventions. And currently, bariatric surgery is one of the most suitable treatments to treat this. Even though this surgery causes significant weight loss in most instances, a considerable number of patients do not achieve the best outcomes in terms of weight loss and may regain their weight due to psychological problems.
In this article, we discuss bariatric surgery and its psychological impacts.
Table of Contents
What is bariatric surgery?
A bariatric weight loss surgery involves altering the digestive system to help you lose weight. And is done when exercise and diet have not worked. Or when you have dire complications on your health due to weight.
The surgery changes your body in that it limits the number of calories your body absorbs. And that results in weight loss for the patient.
Some of the perks of this surgery include:
- Improved cardiovascular strength
- Relief of depression
- Remit type 2 diabetes
- Cure sleep apnea
- Eliminate joint pain
- Improving fertility
Psychological impacts of a bariatric surgery
According to some studies, almost one-third of bariatric surgery patients portray a psychological disturbance, including anxiety and depression after the surgery. And exhibit other mental conditions such as psychosis, personality disorders, and PTSD substance abuse.
Unfortunately, this partially happens when you cannot implement consistent life changes. But monitoring and psychological factors and addressing them pre-and post-surgery could make all the difference.
To help in dealing with these psychological impacts, some of the areas that need to get addressed include:
Having patients understand all about this surgery
If you’re seeking bariatric surgery, you need to have adequate knowledge concerning the surgery procedure. And all the potential risks associated.
You also need to understand the lifelong behavioral changes that may occur after achieving the desired results.
For this reason, the surgeon or professional needs to perform a presurgical psychological evaluation and assess your willingness to undergo this lifestyle change. And explain to you the perks of bariatric surgery vitamins and the contribution they have to your health.
Eating behavior
Sometimes you might Binge Eating Disorders in the absence of keeping up with compensatory strategies such as purging or vomiting. Other eating behaviors may be due to strict dieting, vomiting, and excessive physical activity.
For this reason, you need to understand that surgery alone cannot rectify your problematic eating disorders and show effort in changing your lifestyle behavior related to physical activity and eating to gain your weight loss goals.
Encouraging social support
Given the life-long impacts the bariatric surgery will have on your life and the environment you live in, the professional should aim to familiarize yourself with the social context surrounding you. They should understand how people around you perceive bariatric surgery and if they are willing to help you deal with the aftermath. Also, you should be well informed of all effects and impact the surgery might have on you.
Conclusion
Weight loss after a bariatric surgery results in complex changes, which may affect your mental health. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you may benefit from the maximum guidance of a professional who will advise you on diverse experiences. And guide you on the right supplements such as calcium chews and immune support vitamins. They will also monitor and evaluate you for any advanced psychological effects and events.
