Emotional Support After Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a change not just for the weight loss surgery patient but also for those around them.  Sometimes relationships become stronger as a result of the shared emotional experiences, the ups and the downs.  However, it is not uncommon for the ‘new you’ to encounter some jealousy from others.  Often overweight friends do not like the slimmer you and can prefer the ‘bigger’ ‘old’ you, usually because the new healthy you, highlights some of their issues with food.  Do expect some changes in your relationships as those around you adjust to your new lifestyle.  Most of your friends and family should adjust to these changes as they see you are committed to a new healthy lifestyle and many can be inspired by the new you!  It can indeed encourage others to lose weight, engage in exercise and healthy diet, as you become a positive role model.

Many patients are interested in the results of surgery 6 months to a year after the procedure.  Most patients manage to maintain their weight loss and have a sustained healthy weight.  Weight loss surgery is a very effective method for losing and enabling morbidly obese patients to sustain a healthy weight long-term.  Many weight loss surgery patients say the results of the surgery can’t just be measured in terms of pounds lost.  The results for many of the weight loss are magnitude such as increased self-esteem leading to new careers and being able to have children when they thought it was impossible.  Aside from the very significant weight loss there is of course the many health benefits of surgery.  Many of the patients saw a major reduction or a removal altogether of the following health conditions:

• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Asthma
• Joint Pain
• Sleep Apnea
• Gallbladder Disease
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Stress Urinary Incontinence
• Lower Back Pain

It is important to remember the many health benefits after surgery, rather than concentrating on weight loss only.  Remember a health body is most important and should be the goal, rather than aiming for a body like a supermodel.  Of course very few weight loss surgery patients have a perfect body after weight loss surgery.  Loose and excess skin is very common which can be distressing for many.  Excess skin can hang in various areas such as around the breasts, legs, thighs, armpits and abdomen.  This is very common after excessive weight loss, the excess skin can not only look unsightly but cause problems such as itching, infection and pain and blistering.  It could be worth considering plastic surgery to remove excess skin. 

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