weight loss surgery's most common concerns

Mental Health

When a person goes through significant lifestyle and body changes after surgery, major adjustments occur in how we think about ourselves and how others think of us. Some patients gain much more confidence as they successfully change their lifestyles and manage their weight. Others struggle with continuing to see themselves as affected by obesity.

Marriages and relationships can be strained with the adjustments that occur. Healthy relationships can become stronger as those involved communicate and work through these changes. Weak relationships can fracture and suffer as a result of these changes. Your workplace dynamics can change too — some of your teammates at work may support and cheer you on, while others may be less supportive.

For all of these reasons, access to an experienced mental health professional can be an essential part of postoperative recovery. Above all, each patient should prepare for bumps in the road along the journey, whether it's interpersonal conflict, marriage stress, a surgical complication, or a plateau in weight loss.

Eating habits are frequently affected by emotions, stress, boredom, mindless eating, or even eating disorders. These are common but not always obvious. If you find yourself eating to relieve stress or eating when you're full or not hungry, seek additional help from your surgeon, a qualified psychologist, or a behavioral therapist. These issues can be successfully treated to get patients back on track once identified.

Weight Plateaus

Once you've had surgery, your life will be forever different. Your body has been modified to give you a better chance to overcome the underlying genetic, metabolic, environmental, and lifestyle-induced state of obesity. These are powerful forces that created an unhealthy weight set point — where your body has likely been stuck or hovering, almost like a thermostat set too high. Your body is very effective at trying to maintain that weight and preventing change.

As you lose weight, your body will establish a new set point, leading to periodic plateaus in weight. This is normal and expected. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged when you reach a plateau — these are normal and necessary parts of the weight-loss journey.

Sleep and Stress

A healthy sleep pattern, often called sleep hygiene, is another key to successful weight management. Setting a regular bedtime isn't just for kids — adults benefit from regular sleep times and from setting aside enough time to sleep. Inadequate sleep is identified as one contributing factor in weight gain.

A few techniques that can help improve sleep: avoiding evening caffeine, exercising earlier in the day rather than in the few hours before bed, and creating a peaceful bedroom environment that's quiet, not too bright, and comfortable.

Many patients have sleep apnea before bariatric surgery. While sleep apnea can improve with weight loss, it's important to continue your sleep apnea treatment. Talk with your doctor about whether and when it's appropriate to change your sleep apnea treatment before making any modifications.

Successful stress management is another pillar of post-operative success. Unmanaged stress can lead to poor choices that derail weight-loss progress. Even before surgery, it's important to cultivate habits and relationships that relieve stress. Strong relationships with open communication, regular exercise, and calming habits such as meditation or yoga are all ways to manage stress.

Support groups are available through many weight-loss programs. They provide a venue to interact with your healthcare providers and other patients, share stories, lend support, and stay informed on the latest developments in the rapidly evolving field of obesity medicine.