Love Ones are Affected by Weight Loss Surgery

Written by Jane Long

Most people who seek a bariatric procedure, like gastric bypass, have been struggling with excess weight for years. With more than a few pounds to lose, it has become the choice of last resort. Something has to be done now, because quality of life and survival are now at stake. However, even though the decision is well thought out and right, it is important to understand that loved ones are also affected by weight loss surgery.

You are not the only one going through bariatric surgery. In some sense, it can actually be harder on your loved ones, because they can only guess at what you are going through, and they often feel helpless in the face of your challenges and the healing process.

Understanding Weight Loss Surgery

You may pass all of the battery of test to determine if you are a suitable candidate for weight loss surgery. You know what to expect, the complications that might arise, and how your lifestyle is going to have to change, in order for the bariatric procedure to be successful. Now, it is up to you to make sure your family understands weight loss surgery.

Especially if you have children, it is extremely important to discuss your upcoming bariatric surgery. Explain how long you are expected to be in the hospital, how your eating habits will have to change, and your need for their support. Kids are pretty smart. If it has gotten to the point that you qualify for weight loss surgery, they have probably been worried about you for some time.

Also, if your lifestyle is going to change, your family will naturally have to start eating healthier as well. Your cupboards will no longer be filled with snack cakes and chips. You will only be keeping nutritious food in the house like fruits and vegetables. You will need to help your family understand that everyone needs to start eating a healthy diet. You do not want to be tempted; and, you certainly do not want them to have a weight problem someday as well.

Support System

After bariatric surgery, you loved ones will be your major support system. You are going to need encouragement and help, especially at first. For example, you will have restrictions, requiring you to be careful. For the first weeks after surgery, Until the doctor gives you the green light, you will not be doing certain chores, lifting, and other activities you might have taken for granted. Your doctor will give you a list of do’s and don’t’s. Your loved ones will have to pick up the slack for a few weeks.

However, the most important support your family will provide is emotional. You will be undergoing drastic changes in your body, and you would not be normal, if it did not affect you emotionally. Some days you will be excited by the weight loss; but, you will also go through periods of questioning your decision. Friends and family can remind you of how far you have come, and all the benefits of weight loss surgery, when you temporarily forget.

Weathering the Changes

As you begin to lose weight, quickly at first, you will be experiencing a lot of changes in your body and mind. Your loved ones will have to weather them as well. For example, as you lose weight, you will naturally change emotionally. You will gain a new sense of self-confidence. You may even become a different person, as you start to participate in life, rather than being a silent observer in the corner.

While enjoying and participating in life is a great benefit of weight loss surgery, it can be hard on loved ones. Remember, they have loved the old you. Even if friends and family are very glad you are doing what is necessary to become healthier, it may be somewhat disconcerting to see you become a different person. They may even start to feel insecure, especially if they have low self-esteem or a weight problem themselves.

At times, your loved ones may even wish a gastric bypass reversal could be done. If you start enjoying activities they cannot appreciate, it will seem like you have left them out. Your friends may also miss their eating buddy, when you do not depend on restaurants and snack foods to support your social occasions.

In short, weight loss surgery affects everyone in your personal circle, not just you. Friends and family will be your major source of encouragement and support; but, they can also go through periods of questioning your weight loss procedure. They already loved the old you, excess pounds and all. As you begin to lose a significant amount of weight, you will be changing in positive, yet disconcerting ways. You will dress differently; you will begin to participate in new and exciting activities; even your emotional outlook on life will change. So, you need to remember that loved ones are affected by weight loss surgery too, and be mindful of their needs as well.