Weight loss and mental health have a direct correlation. “I think, therefore I am” rings especially true as you embark on your weight-loss journey. Physically reducing caloric input is not enough. You will only achieve long-term weight loss by holistically implementing lifestyle changes, maintaining a positive mindset, and addressing deeply rooted habits. At Blossom Bariatrics, we work to ensure you are prepared for the entire transformation of both your mind and body.
1. Mentally Preparing for Changes in Brain Chemistry after Weight-loss Surgery
You are likely to experience changes in your brain chemistry during the first weeks after your procedure. These hormonal fluctuations may cause sudden mood swings. Knowing what to expect will help you understand your turbulent emotions and cope with them better.
Additionally, your new diet may affect your brain chemistry by prioritizing protein over carbs and emphasizing portion control. To consume the nutrients your body needs, you’ll be eliminating sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Before surgery, carbs may have been your go-to comfort foods for stressful or difficult days. That’s because eating these foods results in blood sugar spikes that stimulate your brain to produce the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin.
Many people who overeat or eat unhealthy foods do so not because they are hungry but because they are avoiding dealing with negative emotions. Food is often associated with comfort and can be misused, similar to any drug or alcohol. If refined carbs have helped you cope in the past, it’s crucial to prepare mentally for a life without them.
2. Mentally Preparing for Lifestyle Changes after Bariatric Surgery
Eating is a deeply embedded social behavior, and you’ll need to be prepared for lifestyle changes accompanying your post-surgery diet. Of course, you will still eat holiday dinners with your family and go out to restaurants with friends, but your habits will be different. Preparing ahead of time to participate in these rituals in new ways will help you avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Regular physical activity increases your ability to deal with post-surgery brain chemistry adjustments and lifestyle changes. Consistent exercise is proven to deliver both positive physical and mental results. In fact, a recent study in the journal Obesity states that 200 minutes of exercise per week after bariatric surgery leads to higher weight loss and improved quality of life. Patients who exercised during the study lost an average of 13.2 more pounds, suffered less depression and anxiety, and exhibited higher overall health rankings than those who did not exercise. Another study indicates that increased cardiopulmonary fitness reduces depression for bariatric patients.
3. Mentally Preparing Yourself for a Lifelong Journey
The first few months after bariatric surgery are called the “honeymoon period.” During these weeks, pounds will melt away, and you may not even feel hungry.
It’s important you are mentally ready for the day when weight loss slows down. This is the time when all your motivation, preparation, and coping techniques need to take over for the long haul. Establishing healthy eating habits, a regular exercise routine, and a long-term positive mindset during the first weeks after surgery will enable you to rise above the challenges ahead. Many people also opt to incorporate a great weight loss coach to help be successful throughout the process and after.
Daily life will continue to present hurdles, so be ready mentally. Family gatherings or outings with friends can tempt you to fall back into old eating habits. Regaining weight can cause you to slide into negativity. A stressful day can lure you into treating emotions with sugar and refined carbs. Anticipating those inevitable struggles can help you develop coping strategies and overcome them one by one.
Written by Alex Concepcion RD
Your emotional outlook can determine the success or failure of your weight loss plan. If negative thoughts consume you, your determination to maintain a healthy lifestyle will likely be thwarted. Depression fools you into thinking The energy you need for transition is too difficult to manage. Anxiety sidetracks you from trying new things. Irrational fears allow you to stagnate rather than move forward. A negative mindset means you are more likely to stay in the status quo than take risks outside your comfort zone.
A long-term positive outlook is critical to the positive results you want. You have not signed on for a sprint. Bariatric surgery is only the beginning. Mentally prepare yourself for the commitment, dedication, and endurance of a life-long journey.
Blossom offers holistic care during your preparation for surgery and the counseling and support groups you’ll need to meet the mental challenges afterward. To learn more, feel free to contact the professionals at Blossom Bariatrics.
Image by Karolina Grabowska
