Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure for countless individuals, but it’s important to understand that the surgery isn’t an immediate solution for weight loss. The surgery is intended to shrink your stomach to help you lose weight throughout your journey, but this means you still need to have clear goals in mind to obtain real results. With established, realistic expectations and dedication, you can expect to see drastic changes in about six months. From there, you may hit a plateau that you will need to work through to achieve your final weight loss goal.
Because you may hit a plateau and other complications along the way, you need to have a support system in place both before and after your weight loss surgery. Deciding to have the surgery requires a lot of research and significant commitment. You may need to have a diet plan put in place even before your surgery takes place, or you may need to confront a food addiction to overcome obstacles in your path to weight loss. By having friends, family members and even the team at Rockwall Surgical Specialists at your side, you will have a support system to lean on if the journey becomes difficult.
Most food addictions are a response to emotional needs or daily stress. Eating fulfills these needs but wreaks havoc on the body. Bariatric surgery is not a solution for food addiction because it cannot provide the emotional needs you are looking for when you grab something to eat. Instead of relying on the procedure to counter your addiction, you will need to face and overcome it before your surgery. You already know you want to change, so learning to manage food is a critical component to your treatment.
You may also need to overcome other addictions that impact your weight loss as well, such as alcohol and tobacco addictions. Alcohol itself has a high-calorie count, but it can also lead to overeating by lowering your inhibitions. Tobacco can increase your risk of surgical complications and cause post-surgical stomach irritation. For your safety and success, you will need to recognize whether you have an addiction and overcome it prior to your weight loss surgery.
Bariatric surgery has a high success rate for most patients, typically around 80%, so it’s a reliable step in your weight loss journey. However, it takes time and commitment to lose weight and keep the pounds off. If you slip back into old habits after your surgery, you won’t be able to achieve the goals you set for yourself. If you feel depressed or lose motivation to keep going when you feel stuck, vent to someone in your support system to get the help you need to get back on track.
Most modern weight loss surgeries, or bariatric surgeries, are performed with advanced, minimally-invasive techniques by highly skilled and experienced medical professionals, but the time leading up to your operation can be a mental and emotional rollercoaster ride. The surgeons and medical staff at Rockwall Surgical Specialists are here for you to make it as easy as possible. We want to make sure you have clear, defined expectations before, during and after your weight loss surgery so you can obtain your goals.
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, talk to us. It is an honor to be part of your support system, so we want you to know that we are available to speak with you at any time to help with anything you need along your weight loss journey.
