Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for morbid obesity. It is available for individuals with a BMI over 40 kg/m2, or those with a BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 who have certain co-morbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
The decision to have weight loss surgery is life-changing, and involves balancing the pros and cons. On one hand you may be looking at the promise of rapid weight loss, and how it will transform your life in so many positive ways, and on the other, you may be fearful of the surgical procedure and the effect it will have on your eating behaviours afterwards.
Pre-surgery I will help you explore the psychological, nutritional and social impact weight loss surgery will have on your life, so you are confident this is the right decision for you.
Post-surgery I will help you adapt to the new eating behaviours and food rules you will experience, and support you through the psychological changes rapid weight loss and a changing body image will have on your life.
Post-Surgery
You may be in the early stages after your weight loss surgery, and feel very positive and excited about the rapid weight loss you are experiencing.
At the same time, depending on your procedure, you may be experiencing difficulties with one or more of the following:
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anxiety over eating and food aversions
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dumping syndrome
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chewing and spitting out of food
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plugging
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eating-out the pouch
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emotional eating
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vomiting
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grazing
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eating in the absence of hunger
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night eating
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consuming excessive amounts of high-calorie liquids
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loss of control over eating
The downside of weight loss surgery is the forced adoption of an eating style that is characterized by restraint, restriction of food varieties, and ritualistic behaviour around how food is eaten.
I will help you make sense of your situation, helping you uncover any feelings that are hidden by some of your unwanted behaviours. Together we will take stock of how your life has changed, and explore how the surgery has changed your self-identity. You can tell me which behaviours you want to change, and working at your pace, we will make a plan to change them.
At some point post-surgery, for most people around 18 to 24 months, your weight loss may plateau, or there may even be some weight regain. This can be a milestone, for some positive, others stressful, especially if your total weight loss does not meet your pre-surgery expectations. I can support you through this transition, and help you create new goals moving forwards.
Body image distress may be present, especially if you have lots of excess skin. I will help you update the way you think and feel about your body, and explore options to deal with these difficult situations.
Pre-Surgery
Weight loss surgery will affect many areas of your life:
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the way you eat
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your health
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your weight
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your body image
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your relationships
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your self-esteem
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your work
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your social life
Most of the time these changes feel very positive, but they can also feel stressful. I will help you explore your fears, concerns and expectations of surgery so that you go for your procedure grounded, calm and fully aware of what is ahead of you.
I will help you assess the social support you will need, and discuss how you will cope with the stressful postoperative period, especially if eating is your major coping mechanism.
Together we will identify possible challenges that lie ahead, and I will help you create strategies to deal with them ahead of time.
Bariatric Surgeons & GPs
Please contact me if you are interested in the pre-surgery assessment and post-surgical support I can offer your practice, or if you have any patients you wish to refer for continued support.
