Having surgery is usually a mentally exhausting event. Aside from ensuring that your body is in good enough condition for the treatment, your emotional state is as important for a successful surgery and subsequent weight reduction.

Here are some tips for you to get mentally prepared for your bariatric surgery:

1. Start with realistic expectations

First, it's critical to set up some realistic post-surgery expectations. You will not wake up slim after having bariatric surgery. Remember that your surgery is not a quick fix for weight loss; rather, it is an internal tool — in the form of a smaller stomach — that will assist you on your weight loss path.

Don't be disheartened if you don't achieve the same outcomes as someone else. Everyone is unique, and lifestyle modifications and dietary habits have a significant influence on weight loss success.

The type of surgery you undergo also influences how much weight you might anticipate to lose. 

It will take at least six months to lose half of your excess weight. Then you may reach a stalemate. You will most likely need another year to reach your weight loss goal.

Understand that losing weight will be a long and difficult struggle. Follow your doctor's suggestions for physical exercise and progressively increase your participation as you feel safe and comfortable. A clear understanding of the process ahead will help you stay on track and avoid giving up.

2. Don't try to do it alone

Support is essential if you are considering surgery.

Seek the assistance of your primary care practitioner as well as a family member or friend to help you create long-term goals, stay motivated, and measure your weight reduction progress. Use the interdisciplinary team at your bariatric program to assist build your strategy and keep you on track.

Many patients find the thought of bariatric surgery intimidating, so taking baby steps may be beneficial. Instead of attempting to study and do everything at once, consider your options and select one or two resources. 

3. Recognize a food addiction and the importance of physical activity

If you have a food addiction, you must address it before surgery. A mental health care practitioner can frequently help you evaluate the role food plays in your life and offer health alternatives. Having a smaller stomach as a result of bariatric surgery will not satisfy the emotional requirements that eating does.

Many people use food to cope with everyday stress. However, this is a short-term solution that leads to further problems down the road. 

Learning how to manage food after surgery is essential for maintaining weight loss because:

  • Your food consumption will be severely limited, especially in the first few months.
  • You must eat slowly – a small meal should be consumed in at least 20 minutes.
  • A balanced diet is essential; snacking on bad food can hinder your ability to reduce weight.

Working with a licensed dietitian will allow you to begin making changes to your everyday diet. They will also assist you in developing a tailored diet plan to prepare you for your bariatric surgery.

Exercising improves blood sugar control, lowers the risk of heart disease, increases concentration, lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease, improves sleep, and improves mood.

When our happiness and sleep improve, so does our eating. You may improve your strength and muscle endurance without purchasing costly equipment.

4. Seek help for depression 

Bariatric surgery is around 80% effective, but it takes time and focus to maintain weight loss. Your emotional energy must be supporting your efforts.

Your body is healing after surgery, and eating is physically restricted. It's even more difficult to keep on track if you suffer from depression, especially if you have a food addiction.

Consult your doctor or a counselor for assistance in adopting and keeping a good attitude toward the process. They're there to assist you in any way they can to ensure you're on the right track.

5. Understand the risks of other addictions

Addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can also impair your efforts to lose weight – with or without surgery.

Alcohol is high in calories and lowers inhibitions, making you more prone to overeating. You will also experience its intoxicating effects sooner after surgery - one drink can put you over the legal blood alcohol limit for driving.

Tobacco usage raises the chances of surgical complications, respiratory issues, and ulcers. Patients who resume smoking after surgery may experience post-surgical stomach irritation. If you're having trouble quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about developing a quit plan.

Conclusion

Always remember that bariatric surgery is only the beginning — not the finish — of your weight loss journey, so you'll still have a lot of work ahead of you.