How Bariatric Surgery Can Affect Your Mental Health
The entire team at our bariatric surgery center in Plano, TX, is committed to your weight loss and health journey. That doesn’t just mean overcoming obesity and its effects on general wellness. This also means helping patients feel good about their decision and the many benefits bariatric surgery can have in their lives.
Bariatric surgery can contribute to mental health improvements for many patients. We at the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery would like to explore different aspects of mental health before and after surgery so you understand what to expect.
Assessing Mental Health Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
People who’ve been struggling with obesity may have a history of depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia. It’s important that we discuss this as part of your bariatric surgery consultation.
By understanding what you’ve been through and your surgical goals, we can tailor treatment to you. This includes advice on preparing for surgery, as well as information on how to get the most from a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. We may discuss behavioral therapy, talk therapy, nutritional counseling, and other services as part of the long-term road to success.
Post-Surgery: Initial Mood Swings Due to Hormone Changes
In the first weeks of recovery, patients may experience some fluctuation in mood. This is normal and caused by changes in your hormones as your body is healing. Thankfully these surgical side effects are only temporary.
The team at our Plano bariatric center can review the recovery process in greater detail as part of the initial consultation and as preparation for your surgery.
Potential Long-Term Benefits to Mental Health
For many patients, bariatric surgery has multiple benefits to their psychological and emotional well-being. While emotions will always ebb and flow when it comes to major life changes or unforeseen events, the potential mental health improvements from surgery are worth noting.
Improvement in Body Image and Self-Esteem
Many patients who lose a significant amount of weight feel much better about the way they look and feel. While there is loose skin following major weight loss, there are a number of cosmetic procedures that can remove this excess skin and help patients achieve a slimmer and trimmer frame.
Potential Change in Relationship to Food
With decreased appetite and stomach capacity, bariatric surgery patients may find changes in the way they eat and engage with food. If you ate as a coping mechanism, discussing these matters with a mental health professional can help you understand past behaviors and develop new ones.
Better Physical Health Contributes to Better Mental Health
Achieving a healthier body mass can work wonders for your cardiovascular health, respiratory health, and joint health. Patients may have reduced severity of sleep apnea and other comorbidities. This enhanced quality of life can go a long way toward improving someone’s overall outlook.
Make the Choice That’s Right for Your Needs
Bariatric surgery is just one of many options for people who would like to lose weight. If you feel that it’s the right option for you, we encourage you to contact our bariatric surgeons in Plano. We can discuss the surgical process and help you make the right decision for your health and wellness goals.
