Weight loss surgery offers more than just physical health improvements. It can also lead to significant psychological benefits as well. At Renew Bariatrics, we offer comprehensive, affordable bariatric surgeries to help patients look and feel their best. Here are some of the key ways bariatric surgery can positively impact mental well-being:
1. Improved Self-Esteem and Body Image
Many people struggling with obesity experience low self-esteem. This is often due to the stigma associated with obesity, as well as how the person perceives themself, the clothes they can wear, and how they look in photos. Many obese patients report self-esteem as one of the many reasons for choosing to undergo weight loss surgery. Following surgery and weight loss, patients report feeling more confident, can wear the clothes they want, and more.
Although body image issues don’t always disappear completely after surgery, many individuals report feeling more positive about their appearance. Many people with obesity often report that they avoid social situations due to self-consciousness or physical discomfort. After weight loss surgery, they may feel more comfortable participating in social activities, dating, and engaging in group events, which can enhance their overall quality of life. This can lead to healthier relationships, better intimacy, and a more active lifestyle, providing further benefits for bariatric patients.
2. Improved Mental Health & Relief from Weight-Related Stress
Obesity is linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Due to the high morbidity rate associated with both obesity and depression, it is especially important to address both to ensure overall health and well-being. Carrying excess weight can lead to daily stressors, from struggling to find suitable clothing to experiencing physical discomfort. Chronic pain and other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, are linked to obesity, which can increase the stress patients experience.
Losing weight can improve your overall health, ease weight-related stressors, reduce overall mental burden, and improve daily life. While it is not a guarantee that patients who undergo weight loss surgery will experience a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, some evidence suggests bariatric surgery can be beneficial if the depression is linked to obesity. This can be due to multiple factors, including improved mobility, better health, and increased social acceptance.
3. Enhanced Motivation and Mental Clarity
Weight loss surgery often serves as a turning point for patients, inspiring them to better care for their overall health. Many patients turn to bariatric surgery when diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes haven’t been enough to provide the drastic results they need. Following weight loss surgery, patients can expect to lose significant weight. They may feel more motivated to exercise, eat well, and pursue new opportunities in life. Additionally, improved sleep and reduced inflammation post-surgery can enhance mental clarity and focus.
4. Positive Impact on Relationships
As discussed above, obese patients often experience the stigma of being overweight, including the stigma that they are “lazy, sloppy, gluttonous, clumsy.” Weight loss can influence relationships, sometimes strengthening them through increased confidence and energy. Improving mental and physical health with weight loss can also ease the stress on loved ones who may worry for their obese loved ones and the implications obesity may have on them. However, it’s important for patients to navigate these changes carefully, as relationships may shift due to newfound independence or lifestyle adjustments.
5. Greater Sense of Control Over Life
Patients suffering from obesity often report feeling a lack of control. They often suffer from physical limitations that can prevent them from doing the things they love. Many people who undergo weight loss surgery feel a renewed sense of control over their health and future. This can translate into better decision-making, career growth, and personal development.
Change Your Weight and Your Life
While weight loss surgery provides numerous psychological benefits, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations and a strong support system. Therapy or counseling can help individuals adjust to the emotional and lifestyle changes that come with bariatric surgery.
If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise and you are ready to take charge of your health, explore how Renew Bariatrics in Tijuana and Cancun can help. Our world-class bariatric surgeons provide comprehensive bariatric surgeries in Mexico at a fraction of the cost of treatment in the United States. Contact us today, and let us be a part of your physical and mental transformation.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine (NLM). “Obesity and Depression: Its Prevalence and Influence as a Prognostic Factor: A Systematic Review” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7449839/
National Library of Medicine (NLM). “Obesity and pain” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4590160/
Journal of Social Issues. “Couples losing kinship: A systematic review
of weight stigma in romantic relationships” https://midus.wisc.edu/findings/pdfs/2569.pdf
