Getting bariatric surgery can be exciting, especially when it’s finally time to see all of your hard work preparing your body come to fruition. The time has finally come, so you have your surgery… but then you get to the next steps: learning new rules, eating even smaller portions and constantly planning through post-op. It’s completely normal to feel stressed during this time. The aim is to keep stress at a healthy level so your body heals and your new habits stick. Read on to learn about how this is done.
A lot changes overnight when you have bariatric surgery. After months or more of daily workouts and nourishing meals, your body is suddenly in recovery mode, which causes fatigue, hormone shifts, and a brand new set of hunger and fullness cues. The routine you’ve worked hard to build changes overnight, from your eating schedule and hydration to your protein and movement goals. Your identity can also shift, with the rapid weight loss bringing unexpected emotions to light. Remember, stress is a normal response to change, even positive change.
When your routine is shaken up, the first step you should take is to create a new one. Build a post-op routine that includes getting your nutrients, hydration, vitamins, sleep and movement each day. Make decisions easier with meal templates, grocery lists, default snacks and timers for sipping water. When you feel overwhelmed, ground yourself with deep breathing or taking a short walk. When you slip up, reverse the spiral and work on doing better next time.
Plateaus can be discouraging. However, they are a completely normal part of the process, especially after bariatric surgery. In the beginning, you will notice rapid weight loss that continues after surgery, but that weight loss will slow down. For some, this can feel like a personal failure, but it’s really a physiological response. During this time, remember your non-scale goals and how far you’ve come in areas like energy, mobility and labs. Consider upping your workout routines, focusing on building lean muscle mass.
Some amount of stress is healthy after bariatric surgery, but it can become problematic when it begins to impact other areas of your life. If your stress is causing physical symptoms, like inability to keep fluids down or dizziness and fainting, you should call your provider. Consistently missing the nutrition and hydration you need or returning to unhealthy eating habits can also be cause for concern. Stress can also manifest as a mental health crisis or intense relationship conflict. If either of these happens with no other explanation, seek help as soon as you can.
Most people feel stressed out after bariatric surgery. What makes the biggest difference is how you manage that stress. Using the tips above and tools you learn along the way, you can move into your new life with your new body in a healthy, fulfilling way. Remember what brought you here, and never forget where you started!
