How Lap Band Surgery Impacts Psychologically

Obesity is a real medical condition that affects about a third of the population of U.S. adults.

Obesity is very serious; a chronic disease that may increase your risk of developing other serious conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.

Another impact obesity has on your life --an impact that is often overlooked-- is a psychological impact. People suffering from obesity often deal with social anxiety, feelings of helplessness, and even depression.

For this reason many people are turning to weight loss surgery, or lap band surgery, for a solution. Lap band surgery helps obese persons to lose weight and regain their health quickly and with less physical effort than regular dieting.

While lap band surgery has a direct and dramatic effect on the body, the psychological effects of the surgery almost outnumber the physical ones. And while most of these effects are positive, some are not. So if you're planning to get lap band surgery, you should be prepared to make more changes than you ever thought possible both good and bad.

Positive Psychological Effects

The positive psychological effects of lap band surgery are pretty well defined. Getting the surgery is a great way to make you feel better about yourself and your weight. Even making the choice to have the surgery has a positive effect on your psyche-- those feelings of helplessness will be gone. Finally, there is something you can do to truly combat obesity.

In addition, you will also notice many positive changes in the way you look at yourself, your life, and those around you. When the surgery takes effect and the weight starts to come off, people will treat you differently. You'll also have more energy as the weight comes off, and will need to find positive, productive outlets for that energy.

Negative Psychological Effects

Not all of the effects of lap band surgery are positive. In addition to the many physical changes you'll have to make after the surgery, you'll also notice some negative psychological effects as you try to deal with those changes. One major change will be the inability to eat as much as you want. And while this is a positive physical effect of the surgery, it may affect you mentally as well.

One recent recipient of lap band surgery said:
"After the surgery it became apparent that food was my 'drug of choice.' It was suddenly gone, like going cold turkey. It took me about a month of depression (and complaining) to come to grips with the loss and take charge of my eating habits. Now I follow the doctor's recommendations for everything I eat, and take the time to enjoy the energy I have. But it was hard."

And while increased energy is, of course, a positive thing, chances are you won't be used to it. It may take time to learn to deal positively and productively with increased amounts of energy-- at first, it may feel like you're bouncing off the walls.

Truth is, nobody enjoys changing their habits. Too much change causes stress, anxiety, even depression. Even making positive changes can have a negative impact on the psyche at first. It's important to push through the hard moments and remember that every change you're making is for you-- and for the positive.