Life After Surgery: Social Life + Relationships

As we’ve said many times, weight loss surgery is not a cure all.  It isn’t the magic potion you’ve been waiting for that will magically change your life.  What you put into it is what you will get out of it.  Your life after surgery won’t change unless you do.  The first step you will need to take is adapting to a new healthy lifestyle with hearty meals and workouts.  The next step is transitioning back to work.

Another step our patients ask us about is how to adjust to changing relationships and a renewed social life.  Weight loss surgery won’t turn you into a celebrity or the prom queen, but it will give your self esteem a boost.  As a result of weight loss surgery, many patients experience a new found confidence.  They feel more at home and can relate better with their peers.  They are eager to step out, meet new people, and try new things.

Beyond this, weight loss surgery patients have more energy to go out and try all these new things.  While their tolerance for alcohol may go down, their desire to be active and experience new activities goes up.  They can see themselves joining a yoga class or gym.  They have enough energy to go out at night to the movies, the mall, or the newest restaurant in town.  They want to meet up with friends at the beach or the park.

The relationships between patients and the loved ones who have walked this journey alongside them strengthen. They have experienced a huge part of life together, and patients know these loved ones are reliable and encouraging.  Be sure to thank the family and friends who journeyed with you from the first consultation until now. They are your cheering squad and your support team, and they aren’t going away any time soon.  Take them out to that new restaurant, and celebrate all that you’ve accomplished!