Some patients believe that once they have bariatric surgery, the weight loss journey will be complete. Patients often feel immediate relief from symptoms of conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea after surgery, and their health only improves from there as they continue with their new healthy habits. However, many patients do not experience instant gratification after a successful weight loss surgery. In fact, it’s common for patients to see something different from what they expected when they look in the mirror. They may see loose skin or residual fat deposits, or they may feel like they didn’t lose fat everywhere they wanted to as quickly as they wanted to.
This can lead to body dysmorphia, a mental health condition that leads to an intense preoccupation with perceived physical flaws. For weight loss surgery patients, this can mean not realizing how much weight they lost and feeling like they’re still “fat” despite a successful weight loss journey.
For bariatric surgery patients, body dysmorphia can be caused by a number of factors. The main culprit, however, is that the body goes through a lot of changes during rapid weight loss. Even though the results of the surgery are evident when they look in the mirror, a patient’s brain may not have caught up to reality.
It’s common for this process to take time, but you need to take steps early on toward more positive self-talk to avoid getting lost in a downward spiral. You’ve done an amazing thing for your health. Once the initial shock wears off, take a moment and celebrate it! Remind yourself why you went on this journey and of all the benefits you’ll be reaping soon.
You can struggle with your body image without it becoming body dysmorphia, especially when your body has recently undergone major changes in a short period of time. The following are symptoms of body dysmorphia:
When people give you compliments, do you become defensive? Often, compliments from friends or family members can fall on deaf ears if you’re dealing with body dysmorphia. This is one of the easiest ways to tell if your body image is warped. If everyone is saying you look great, and you feel differently, you may be experiencing body dysmorphia.
An important first step in coping with body dysmorphia is knowing you’re not alone. Many bariatric surgery patients struggle with body dysmorphia and find self-confidence after the fact. Talking to other patients in a support group is one of the best ways to understand this feeling. However, the feeling may not go away after a few support group sessions.
If you continue to struggle with these feelings, consider cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help teach you coping mechanisms and challenge the negative thoughts you have about yourself. A licensed therapist who specializes in CBT can help you overcome body dysmorphia and start enjoying all the health benefits you’ve received from your recent bariatric surgery.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Remember, therapy can be another important step on your health journey!
