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As a counselor, I’ve seen many people who have lost 50, 75, even 100 pounds from gastric bypass talk about the changes it has brought to their lives. Many feel physically better, have higher self-esteem, are more energetic, and want to participate more in life. People can become more social, dress neater and nicer, and feel more attractive.
However, dramatic weight loss can bring about negative reactions too. Children may not want their mothers walking around in tight clothes and wearing high heels. Wives may feel uncomfortable with their husbands getting appreciative glances from other women. Some people lose friends after having bypass surgery. Many say of those who have undergone bypass, “I liked you better when you were fat.” It’s also fair to say that those who undergo bypass say to their friends, “I liked you better when I was fat.” So, those who lose a lot of weight can be said to lose a lot of who they are. This can be a good thing or a bad thing.
Approximately twenty-five per cent of people who were depressed before surgery remain depressed eighteen months after surgery. If eating is the way that you care for yourself emotionally, losing weight is not going to cure the depression because it doesn’t even address it. In fact, you may simply transfer your addiction to something else that’s worse for you.
If you are considering gastric bypass and believe that it will be the panacea for all your ills, check into a support group or go to individual counseling before you decide. There are many problems that come with the surgery and weight loss. By emotionally preparing in advance and continuing your support afterward, you can make sure the part of you that you lose along with the weight is the best part to keep.
Keywords: weight loss, bypass, mental health, depression, diet, dieting
About the Author
Laura Giles, Norfolk, VA USA
realassist@yahoo.com
http://healthy-living-solutions.com
Counselor and expert on extra-marital families, relationships, and murder by a parent (filicide). Author of "The Other Child: Children of Affairs" and "Growing Up Crazy". Online counseling available.
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