Weight loss surgery is something that I struggled with mentally up to the day of the surgery. Am I doing the right thing? Am I ready for this? What if I do this and fail? All these thoughts ran through my head up till the time that I went under anesthesia in the operating room. Throughout the process, I did a lot of research and joined many Facebook groups to see what I was getting myself into. I thought I knew a lot about what to expect but now looking back to the last 3 years, I wanted to share some information with you that I did not find on a Facebook group, support meeting, or in a bariatric book.
These are my top 3 things that I wish I knew before having surgery.
1. Enjoy the honeymoon, but not too much!
For those who do not know, the honeymoon phase is the first year after weight loss surgery. In this first year, the pounds fall right off and you gain a ton of confidence. Well, I can tell you that the honeymoon eventually ends and the real work begins. The first year should help coach you in proper eating habits, finding time for healthy activities such as the gym or hiking outdoors, and learning to love yourself. This first year is a hoax where you can eat or do what you want and still lose weight. It ends, so prep yourself accordingly!
2. You will possibly lose more than your weight.
Until I had surgery, I had no idea I revolved my life around food. I ate when I was happy, sad, wanted to celebrate, or was just bored. I also didn’t realize that my circle of friends also revolved around food. Once I started to lose weight, I, unfortunately, lost friends and loved ones. They couldn’t understand why I ate so little. They stopped inviting me to hang out because they were going to eat and didn’t want to make me feel uncomfortable. You may lose “friends” in this process however, the price of gaining your health and happiness is worth it. Luckily, real friends will stick by your side and help push you to achieve your goals.
3. You are worth it!
The reward of weight loss surgery outweighs any concern or question that you may have. From the surgery, I learned to love myself by facing my demons head-on because I couldn’t eat my emotions anymore. I didn’t comprehend the lack of love and respect I had for myself until I stopped and looked back at where I was before and where I am now. I use to let others walk all over me, settle in a relationship because I felt like I couldn’t do any better, and make sure to put myself and my feelings last. Well, I am here to tell you that if you decide to have weight loss surgery, you will find things out about yourself that you didn’t even know! I found through this process that I am worth it and so are you!
I hope this helps you prep for your surgery better and you can learn from my mistakes. This journey is amazing but you get out of it what you put into it. I would go back and do it all over again if I had to. If you have any questions or want to follow my journey, you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram @BariatricMotivation or you can visit my website where I offer personal and group motivation for weight loss surgery regardless if you’re thinking of having the surgery or your 10 years out.
For more information please check out my website Bariatric Motivation.