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BODY DYSMORPHIA POST WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
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Body dysmorphia - a mental health condition where a person focuses on seeming flaws in their appearance - is surprisingly common in patients post weight loss surgery.
Symptoms of body dysmorphia include:
- worrying about a specific area of your body and identifying flaws within that area
- making lots of effort to conceal these perceived flaws spending lots of time comparing your looks to how others look
- obsessively looking at yourself in mirrors or avoiding mirrors completely
- avoiding pictures
- seeking constant reassurance from friends and family about your appearance
- anxiety caused by persistent thoughts of weight and size
These flaws are often unnoticeable to others and at its worst, body dysmorphia can affect the life of the person suffering from it, impacting everything from weight loss. social life, friendships and relationships.
When it comes to self-perception, it takes a while for the brain to be able to catch up with the body after undergoing surgery. It is common for someone who has undergone weight loss surgery and has lost weight as a result to suffer from body dysmorphia because they develop a distorted image of themselves. A patient will undergo weight loss surgery after years of obesity issues, failed diets and negative perceptions of themselves, and it is difficult to change such a deep-rooted mindset as a result. In many cases, patients will see themselves as being much larger than they actually are - while the scales provide proof of loss in terms of weight, it can be difficult for the patient to see a difference in their appearance.
Many patients have reported that they still wear clothes that are too big for them after losing weight because they are used to concealing their body, or are surprised (and sometimes even in disbelief) when they can fit into a smaller item of clothing or when they see their reflections in a mirror or window. Some have also felt uncomfortable when they have received compliments about their weight loss - their lack of self-confidence has left them feeling unworthy of praise for their appearance. One of the biggest causes of body dysmorphia is loose skin that can happen as a result of major weight loss, and this can add to negative feelings or incorrect perceptions of how they look.
How to Deal with Body Dysmorphia Post Weight Loss Surgery
It is always important to remember that the mind is just as important as the body when undergoing weight loss surgery and the relationship that you have with yourself and the food that you consume is vital.
Remember that you aren’t alone. While body dysmorphia isn’t something that is often talked about, it is certainly something that many weight loss surgery patients deal with. Having conversations (if you feel comfortable) with other weight loss surgery patients is a great way to share experiences and discuss things that those who haven’t undergone surgery may not understand.
Seek medical help. A therapist, specialist bariatric dietitian and or mental health professional can help you with your mindset, anxieties and self-perception, from changing your relationship with food to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Avoid comparing yourself to anyone else. Easier said than done, right? Each individual’s weight loss journey is unique to them and as a result everyone will achieve different results in different periods of time. Spend time with positive people who lift you up and work hard on building relationships both in and outside of the weight loss community. And if you receive a compliment? Say thank you, even if you feel uncomfortable.
How Can I Help?
At The Dietologist I can assess and take the time to get a better understanding of your health, relationship with food, weight struggles, lifestyle demands and medical conditions, and work with you to find ways in which your diet and relationship with food can be improved to help you achieve realistic results before, during and after bariatric surgery, while changing your mindset about yourself.
Too book a discovery call, visit my website here https://www.thedietologist.co.uk/#CONTACT
