Have you been thinking about having weight loss surgery?
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enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
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KEEPING WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY A SECRET
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
Making the decision to have weight loss surgery is a challenging and life-changing one. For many, it becomes a viable option after trying to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise has failed over a period of years. Weight gain and obesity is not as simple as eating too much and living a sedentary lifestyle - there are many factors that make it extremely difficult to lose weight including the menopause and changing hormone levels in the body - and health is not always in direct correlation with size and weight.
There are several weight loss procedures available in the UK, including:
- Gastric Balloon
- Gastric Band
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass/Mini Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy/Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
These procedures not only help with weight loss, but they can contribute to an improvement in lots of physical and mental health issues that are associated with obesity, including hypertension, heart disease, joint pain, type 2 diabetes, anxiety and self-esteem.
While weight loss surgery can lead to a higher quality of life for those that go through the procedure, there are many that still keep the fact that they have had weight loss surgery a secret. Unfortunately, there is still a heavy social stigma surrounding obesity and weight loss surgery that implies that it is an “easy way out” and a “quick fix” ie. a person having a weight loss procedure is too lazy to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise. There is also a negative misconception that those opting to undergo weight loss surgery are doing so for cosmetic reasons.
Many of these stigmas are the result of a lack of knowledge, stereotypes and the discriminatory nature that surrounds obesity, the body and the benefits of weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, these still contribute to a level of secrecy surrounding bariatric surgeries.
Should You Keep Your Weight Loss Surgery a Secret?
Many undergoing weight loss surgery choose to discuss and share their decision with family members and very close friends.
Physical and emotional support from those closest to you is vital during weight loss surgery and is necessary to establish boundaries. For example, when those closest to us see us in pain, their willingness to help and soothe may result in them turning to something that they feel will make things better. If the person having weight loss surgery is an emotional eater and has used food for comfort in the past, it is likely that those around them will also use food to try and help. By telling your loved ones about your surgery, your new eating habits and your new lifestyle, it is possible to put those boundaries in place without having to have any awkward conversations. For some, keeping surgery a secret will be their only option due to fear of being judged. Whether you choose to tell or keep it a secret,
good support is a necessity as you face overwhelming changes in your nutrition, lifestyle and behaviours.
Having positive interactions and good support with those around before, during and after weight loss surgery is also important. Being able to share your weight loss wins, discussing your eating habits and food choices and involving others will provide support and inspire you to continue in your weight loss journey. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to collaborate with others in your exercise routines - going for a walk or a swim with family and friends or joining an exercise class is a great motivational tool and can help to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Of course, nobody is ever under any obligation to discuss their private medical procedures with anyone else - your personal life is not the business of others. However, it is worth considering that after weight loss surgery your body (and mindset) are likely to change quite drastically and in a short period of time, which will bring inevitable questions from friends and colleagues. Think about the conversations you are likely to have and what you feel comfortable discussing, but consider the fact that being open and honest about your weight loss surgery will help to not only educate others about the process and reasons involved, but may help to reduce the stigma that surrounds weight loss surgery. You might even inspire others to adopt a healthier lifestyle in the process or opt to have bariatric surgery if they’ve been considering it!
Whether you choose to keep your weight loss surgery a secret or not, remember that you are doing what is best for you, your physical and emotional wellbeing and you are creating a better quality of life for yourself. Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, it is a part of a lifestyle change, which is something to be proud of!
For help in how I can support you in your weight loss journey, book in for a
Discovery Call, or visit me on my
social media platforms, my
Facebook Group and my
YouTube channel for helpful information, hints and tips and Q&A opportunities!
