Adjusting to your new normal
We recognise that adjusting to the ‘new normal’ can be challenging. This initial adjustment often involves learning to cope with multiple challenges such as adhering to strict dietary guidelines, managing changes in appetite and digestion, maintaining regular physical activity, navigating emotional and psychological adjustments, and developing new social habits.
Listed below are some psychological challenges that people may struggle with post-operatively. Everyone’s bariatric surgery journey is unique, so the following challenges may or may not apply to you. Please note, this list is not exhaustive.
Losing a lot of weight can change how you feel, both in your body and your mind. Many people expect to feel better about how they look and to have more confidence, but sometimes the changes don’t match what they hoped for. Things like excess skin can make it harder to get used to your new body (Note. Reconstructive surgery is currently not commissioned by the NHS). This can make you feel worried, sad, or even upset. These feelings might cause mood swings or make mental health problems worse, especially if you already find them hard to manage.
The stress from the surgery, recovery, and changes after the operation can sometimes lead to feelings of depression, mania, or even psychosis in some people. This is more likely in those who already have a complex mental health condition(s).
After bariatric surgery, some people might develop unhealthy eating habits or find it hard to manage their relationship with food, especially if they have had problems with food before or have a mental health condition(s) that make it difficult to regulate emotions.
Research shows that bariatric surgery can increase the risk of suicide and self-harm. This can happen because of changes in how they feel about themselves, emotional stress, or adjusting to life after surgery. While anyone can be affected, those who have struggled with these thoughts or behaviours before are at a higher risk.
Research also shows that some people might start having problems with alcohol after bariatric surgery. This can happen because they feel different about themselves, feel stressed, or find it hard to get used to life after the operation. Sometimes, people replace one addiction with another, which is called addiction transference. While this can happen to anyone, people who have had problems with alcohol before are at higher risk.
Following surgery, losing weight can change how your body processes medications, including those for your mental health. If relevant, you may need adjustments to your medications, so it is important to contact the service that prescribes them. It is also essential to closely monitor any changes in your mood or emotional well-being during this time.