Reducing weight by a considerable amount is a massive achievement. But weight loss is also associated with mixed emotions and social changes. Let’s discuss what you may face and how to overcome it.
Emotional Changes
First of all, it is an emotional rollercoaster: you may be proud one minute and then anxious or confused about the new body. Be kind to yourself; it’s just that your mind will take a little more time to catch up with the changes your body has undergone. We are 5 months post-op, and our brain has still to catch up. Just put that into perspective: when we look into the mirror, we still think we are 70+ pounds heavier than we are, as the weight loss is too fast for our brain’s image of us to change.
Relationship and Social Dynamics
Your relationships, too, will undergo a change. Not everyone will realise how to act around you, and some friends or family members may not turn out to be quite as supportive as you might have wanted to imagine. So it’s basically about communication – openly discuss your journey and feelings with those closest to you so that they realise what is happening. But also, do not be surprised if people start to act differently around you. A common thing people spot post-surgery is that a friend may have used the bigger you to feel better about themselves, and you may have to cut that friend off. It’s sad, it’s hurtful, but this is more common than you would think.
How to Deal With Attention
You may be getting more attention than usual, which can be overwhelming. Compliments are nice, but if it gets too much, do not be afraid to set boundaries and let people know how you feel. Even simple things you don’t notice when you are bigger, you notice – like when shopping, people at the checkout speak to you more. This is weird, but it happens.
Staying Healthy
Keep at it with the healthy ways that got you so far, even when your emotions run a bit hotter. Find your support system – family, friends, or a weight-loss group – to help keep you on track. This is very important; there have been times it has been stressful for us, and being able to rant in a WhatsApp group with others who got the surgery with us, and they understand as they have been through it, is massive and validating.
Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, go easy on yourself. This is a big deal here – learning how to adjust to your new body and lifestyle. Acknowledge and celebrate your small triumphs. But at the same time, do not be too hard on yourself when things get tough.
In the long run, massive weight loss brings emotional changes and social changes, but it takes the right attitude and support system to really thrive in this new chapter of your life. Enjoy the journey, and embrace the new you!