It is no secret that the gastric bypass operation will give you a new life. There are all the changes that your bariatric professionals will prepare you for and then there are some that you do not hear much about. Depression is just one of the changes that some bariatric patients will experience as they go through the process of having the surgery and the year that follows.
Many people anticipate having the surgery for so long that once they have the procedure it almost seems like a letdown, especially if the outcome did not fit into our preconceived notions of what we thought would happen to us. You will go through many emotions during your first year as you see the pounds drop off. You will see many of your medical problems disappear.
But you will be faced with new challenges. Some people will experience depression and others may have to learn to deal with other behaviors that can become compulsive. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with a great support system. Don’t lose contact with your bariatric professionals. Look for a support group made up of others that have had weight loss surgery and can relate to your triumphs and weaknesses.
Begin exercising as soon as you are allowed. There are many benefits to exercise that are not physical. On a bad day, working out can help elevate your mood. The last thing you want to do is feed off of negative feelings. Do what you can to get past these feeling and if you cannot, reach out for help. You have to come too far to succumb to depression or any other negative behavior.
We all have bad days and experiences that challenge us, but that does not mean that we have to give in to negative thoughts and emotions that can follow a major event in our life.