Weight loss surgery is a very serious and potentially life-saving procedure. Your mental health plays a major role in your ability to mentally prepare for weight loss surgery and recovering from it. Here are some ways on how to mentally prepare for weight loss surgery before going under the knife!

Weight loss surgery is a procedure that helps people struggling with their weight to lose a lot of weight in a shorter period of time. There are different types of weight loss surgery, Some surgeries, such as the stomach stapling and gastric banding procedures don’t allow patients to consume too much food at one time. Others like the Gastric balloon procedure restrict the amount of food that can be consumed at any one time.

Some of the most common weight-loss surgeries include Gastric sleeve (also known as vertical gastrectomy), adjustable gastric band, and Roux-en Y gastric bypass.

Tips to mentally prepare for weight loss surgery

1. Be realistic

Weight loss surgery is not a magic bullet that will make you lose weight without any effort on your part. You need to be committed to changing your lifestyle after the surgery, or nothing will change for you. This means following the guidelines doctors have given you, including diet and exercise for weight loss surgery.

If you are still trying to negotiate with yourself about getting the surgery, don’t have it.

Be honest with yourself and truly ask why you’re not ready to change. If you can’t figure that out, then hold off on the surgery for now and continue trying other weight-loss methods until you are 100% sure this is what you want.

If your answer requires more than just you, then consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you better understand your resistance.

2. Prepare for the future

After you have been approved for weight loss surgery, it’s important to educate yourself about the procedure and your recovery.

Start thinking of ways you will be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle once the surgery is complete.  One of these steps might be learning how to cook new recipes that are healthier than what you’re used to eating. Before your weight loss surgery in Arizona, ensure that you ask the doctor all doubts you have, what it would be post-surgery, and more.

3. Stay focused on your goals

Having a clear picture of exactly what you want out of weight loss surgery will help to keep you motivated. You must have specific goals in mind. Get as detailed as possible about how much weight you want to lose, the changes you want to see in your body and life, and if there are any other goals, you have for yourself.  

If necessary, create a vision board of what your life will be like once you’ve achieved this goal. Keeping these images in a place where you can see them daily is a great way to stay motivated.

4. Get support

Surgery has been known to be tiring emotionally if the patient isn’t supported throughout the process. You are more likely to achieve your goals if you have people by your side who will help you get through the tough times.

This can be done by discussing your goals with friends and family, signing up for a weight-loss surgery support group, or joining an online community where you can connect with others who have experienced similar journeys.

5. Set a date

Getting your weight loss surgery scheduled will help you stay focused and give you something to look forward to after all of the hard work is done. It can be scary to consider such a life-altering procedure, but it’s best not to think too much about that and instead focus on what’s ahead.

Once you’ve decided on the right time for you, make sure to contact your surgeon and share that data with him or her.

After all, it’s the goal that matters the most here, not how much time it takes you to achieve it.

Conclusion

Weight loss surgery can be a life-changing procedure for people struggling with their weight, but it’s not easy. Bariatric surgery mental preparation is extremely crucial. These are some ways to prepare for weight loss surgery mentally. Abiding by the recommendations set forth by your doctor is essential throughout the journey. And finally, tracking your progress.