It is common for those who are considering bariatric surgery to meet with a mental health therapist before being approved. In many instances, it’s required by the operating surgeon. Therapy, which can also be helpful after bariatric surgery, provides benefits to those considering this life-changing decision. Numerous studies show that bariatric surgery is highly effective, and counselling can help to support better weight loss success.
Why Therapy Before Bariatric Surgery Can Be Beneficial
Before you have weight loss surgery, you may benefit from counselling and professional therapy. This is an opportunity to explore various factors that could affect your long-term success. Weight loss surgery will change the anatomy and function of your body’s digestive system. It is a significant change in terms of hormones, relationships with food, and behaviors. Your lifestyle will change. While all of that can be very good for your future, you need to prepare mentally for such a drastic change.
Is Therapy Required Before Surgery?
In some situations, it may be. Your bariatric surgeon may require it. If you are using Medicare or Medicaid, state laws and medicare guidelines require therapy and counselling in the lead-up to weight loss surgery for those who have a condition that warrants it.
Benefits of Therapy Before Weight Loss Surgery Explained
Therapy seems like a frustrating part of the qualifications for bariatric surgery, but for many people, there are very valuable outcomes to having this type of prep completed. Consider the following:
- Emotional health balance: Some people struggle with weight loss due to underlying mental health disorders, including anxiety, trauma, and depression. Others are battling an eating disorder. Getting weight loss surgery can help you undo the damage, but it cannot alleviate these emotional complications. That is why therapy is so helpful to many.
- Readiness: Preparing for bariatric surgery is a physical and mental process. During the process, you will need to make substantial changes in your lifestyle. None of those happens until after you have surgery. By having therapy beforehand, your therapist can ensure you are ready for such complex changes.
- Motivation for success: Just having the procedure does not mean you will be successful at weight loss surgery. Rather, you need to have the ongoing motivation to continue to follow your diet and exercise goals. Your surgeon will want to have a professional offer their opinion on whether or not you are motivated to work hard to achieve these goals.
- Behavioural challenges: Weight loss at a rapid rate can be stressful. During your therapy sessions, you’ll learn strategies for dealing with the emotional ups and downs, managing stress, and overcoming challenges you are sure to face. This can help keep you on track.
- Learning how to get help: On this journey, you’ll discuss many things about yourself, but you may find that there are times when you need help. During therapy, you’ll learn strategies for getting help and support throughout the process and throughout the rest of your life.
During weight loss surgery therapy, it is also important to know that this professional is working with your surgeon to determine if you are ready to advance and have the procedure. They will consider the following factors in their assessment:
- Motivation
- Readiness
- Emotional factors
- Mental health history
- Behavioural challenges
- Current lifestyle
- Strengths
- Family history
Should I Go to Therapy Before Bariatric Surgery?
Yes, in nearly all situations, getting therapy before bariatric surgery is a very good thing. Mental health and quality of life are a big part of your decision to move forward with this procedure. From a practical sense, you need to prepare for the intensity and changes that are to come. Studies continue to show that early intervention before treatment could help many people who struggle with weight loss outcomes and challenges from psychiatric conditions after weight loss surgery.
Find a Bariatric Surgeon Locally
Find a bariatric surgeon by searching locally at BestBariatricSurgeons.com or Vitals.com. Work with your local bariatric surgeon to find out what you will be required to do to have weight loss surgery. In nearly all situations, your doctor will offer guidance on who to see, what to expect, and how to work through any challenges. Once you complete therapy, you are one step closer to success that only weight loss surgery can offer.
