Emotional Wellness: Lora’s Guide to Bariatric Mental Health

The Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast

On today’s episode we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of bariatric surgery—the emotional journey. While many focus on the physical transformation, it’s the emotional and mental changes that often determine long-term success. Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about reshaping your relationship with food and developing healthier ways to manage emotions.

The Emotional Impact of Bariatric Surgery

We’ll start by diving into the emotional impact of bariatric surgery. Many people use food as a way to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom. But after surgery, that emotional crutch isn’t available anymore. This shift can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or even what’s known as "bariatric grief." In this episode, we discuss what it’s like to let go of old habits and how to find new ways to handle difficult emotions​.

Emotional Eating After Bariatric Surgery

One of the biggest challenges many people face post-surgery is emotional eating. Although your stomach is smaller and physically can’t handle the same amount of food, the emotional triggers that lead to overeating don’t just disappear. Emotional eating can show up in new ways, like making bad food choices. We’ll talk about how to spot these behaviors early and provide practical tips, such as keeping a food journal and working with a therapist, to address emotional eating head-on​.

Mental Health Support is Crucial

In this episode, we also cover why mental health support is so crucial after bariatric surgery. Many people go through a psychological evaluation before surgery, but the real emotional work often needs to happen afterward. We’ll explore how the adjustment to a new lifestyle can bring up anxiety, fear of weight regain, or feelings of frustration, and how important it is to develop healthy coping strategies. From practicing mindfulness and talking to a therapist to joining support groups, we discuss several ways to manage emotional ups and downs​​.

Community is Key

A key theme of today’s discussion is the importance of community. Having a strong support system can make all the difference in your post-surgery journey. Whether it’s friends, family, or a support group, feeling understood and supported plays a huge role in staying on track emotionally. We’ll share how connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone and offer practical advice on building your own support network​.

Emotional Ramifications of Weight Regain

Lastly, we’ll touch on the reality of weight regain and why it’s important not to view it as a failure. Weight can fluctuate, but it’s part of the process. By focusing on your emotional well-being and continuing to build healthy habits, you’ll be better equipped to handle any bumps in the road without turning back to old, unhealthy patterns​.

So, whether you’re thinking about bariatric surgery, in the early stages of recovery, or years post-op, this episode offers valuable insights into managing your emotional health and navigating the mental challenges that come with such a life-changing procedure. Tune in for a conversation that will help you embrace your new, healthier life while taking care of your emotional well-being along the way!

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1. Pre-Op Psych Eval Teaser Clip (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Lora Grabow (00:00:40)

3. Understanding the Pre-op Psych Evaluation (00:04:58)

4. Emotional Work After Surgery (00:09:19)

5. Head Work for Those on GLP-1 Meds (00:18:19)

6. The Emotional Toll of Weight Regain (00:21:37)

7. Learn More About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (00:24:36)