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WHY YOU HAVE MOOD SWINGS AFTER WLS
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
Having mood swings after a gastric band, gastric bypass, or gastric Sleeve (bariatric surgery) can affect your eating and weight loss after bariatric surgery. Emotional hunger and habits need to be managed after bariatric surgery to help improve your relationship with food. If you're feeling down after weight loss surgery, remember to check in with your aftercare team for support.
Here are some potential reasons for low mood and tips on how to improve your mood after bariatric surgery:
1. Oestrogen levels: Rapid weight loss can affect hormone levels, including oestrogen. Low levels of oestrogen can cause mood changes, including low mood. If you suspect that hormonal changes are contributing to your low mood, talk to your healthcare provider especially if you are 40 and about, as the menopause can play havoc with your mood.
2. Change in body shape: Losing a significant amount of weight can be a big adjustment. You may be struggling with body image (body dysmorphia) issues or feeling self-conscious about your new body shape. Try to focus on the positive changes and celebrate your accomplishments. Remember that you are more than your physical appearance.
3. Emotional eating: After weight loss surgery, it's common to experience a range of emotions that can trigger emotional eating. This can lead to feelings of guilt, failure, or shame, which can contribute to low mood if you’ve not had support to improve your relationship with food. Learn to identify your emotional triggers and find healthier ways to cope, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist.
4. Habits: Old habits die hard, and it can be challenging to break old habits and establish new ones. It's important to remember that change takes time, and it's okay to slip up sometimes. Be kind to yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.
5. Nutritional deficiencies: After bariatric surgery, it's common to experience nutritional deficiencies that can affect your mood. Make sure you take the recommended vitamin and minerals and nutrition plan. Consider working with a registered dietitian to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs.
Improving your mood after bariatric surgery may take time and effort, but it's worth it.
Here are some additional tips to boost your mood:
1. Stay active: Exercise has been shown to improve endorphin levels which help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
2. Keep up with your blood tests after bariatric surgery.
3. Practice self-care: Take time to do things that make you feel good, such as taking a bath, reading a book, or getting a massage.
4. Connect with others: Social support is important for mental health. Try to spend time with friends and family, or join a support group for people who have had bariatric surgery.
5. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to low mood. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
6. Check in with your bariatric Dietitian: Talking to an experienced bariatric dietitian or therapist can help you work through emotional challenges and develop coping skills.
Remember, there is no shame in seeking help. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it's okay to ask for support. As your favourite bariatric dietitian, I'm here to help you navigate your weight loss journey and improve your relationship with food and yourself.
