Amisha Bhayani
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
How to Mentally Prepare For Bariatric Surgery?
The decision to undergo weight loss surgery requires careful consideration and approval from your healthcare team. Being a suitable candidate is essential, but it’s just one aspect of preparing for a successful outcome.
Dr. Manish Motwani, an experienced bariatric surgeon at Aastha Bariatrics, offers minimally invasive procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy to safeguard your health in the long term. Proper preparation for your surgery is crucial to achieve the best results and minimize stress and complications.
Here are some tips to help you mentally prepare for your surgery:
Embrace Realistic Expectations -
It’s crucial to approach bariatric surgery with realistic expectations. While it can have a profound impact on your life, it’s not a quick fix or a magical solution to weight issues. Weight loss after surgery takes time and varies from person to person. Instead of expecting a perfect outcome, focus on following a detailed meal plan that will gradually help you lose weight. By setting realistic expectations, staying committed, and having a strong support system, you can anticipate seeing significant changes within about six months.
Don’t Face It Alone -
Facing the challenges of a weight loss journey, especially after surgery, can be daunting. Rather than tackling it alone, it’s important to lean on the support of your family and our dedicated team at Aastha Bariatrics. We offer a comprehensive care team to assist you at every stage of your journey, providing guidance and support along the way.
Deal with Emotional Eating -
At times of anxiety, stress, or sadness, turning to food for comfort can exacerbate obesity. Even post-surgery, emotional eating habits may persist without automatic change.
To address emotional eating, consider the following strategies:
Keep nutritious foods readily available to curb impulsive eating.
Practice mindfulness exercises to stay present and reduce the urge to eat emotionally.
Explore talking to someone or engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to understand and modify eating habits.
Instead of eating for emotional reasons, try alternatives like taking a walk, journaling, or confiding in a friend.
Understand that occasional emotional eating is normal but recognize when it becomes excessive. Be kind to yourself and avoid harsh self-criticism, as nobody eats perfectly all the time.
Devise a Series of Self-Rewards -
Every bariatric patient receives specific guidelines to optimize their weight loss journey. For instance, avoiding junk food is crucial for shedding excess pounds effectively. Instead of harboring resentment towards dietary restrictions, focus on rewarding yourself for adhering to your doctor’s recommendations.
Create a reward system devoid of food-based incentives. For instance, consider planning a road trip with friends or family to celebrate sticking to your diet or reaching a weight loss milestone. Treat yourself to a new wardrobe as you continue to shed weight. Other non-food rewards could include enjoying a movie night alone or with loved ones, exploring a new hiking trail, or planting something new in your garden.
Stay Optimistic -
Maintaining a positive outlook regarding your upcoming surgery is crucial for several reasons. Bariatric surgery boasts a high success rate, with approximately 80% of individuals experiencing positive outcomes. Even if you encounter challenges with weight loss post-surgery, our team is equipped to assist you in getting back on track.
Additionally, weight loss surgery offers numerous potential health benefits, including a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). You may also notice improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased energy levels, and enhanced sleep quality.
Keep Connected With Our Team -
At Aastha Bariatrics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Staying in touch with Dr. Manish Motwani and our team is crucial for your success. Make sure to schedule your recommended follow-up appointments and don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you encounter any challenges. We’re dedicated to monitoring your progress and assisting you in maintaining your weight once you’ve achieved your goal.
If you’re interested in learning more about weight loss surgery or determining if you’re a suitable candidate, don’t hesitate to contact our office or request an appointment through our website. We’re here to help you on your journey to a healthier life.
