Regaining Your Self-Esteem: Why a Gastric Bypass Surgery Is Worth It

There’s a good reason why weight loss is so often referred to as a “journey.” For many people, it is one of the hardest things to accomplish. Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries are fantastic tools that help people regain control of life by allowing them to step off of the weight-loss journey rollercoaster, and feel good about themselves again. Surgery probably sounds scary to most people, and it’s a big step to take, but worth it to those who not only want to take better care of their health but also lead a happier life.

The Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass and other weight-loss surgeries —collectively referred to as bariatric surgery— are performed when diets and exercise alone haven’t worked, or when weight poses serious, potentially life-threatening health risks. Though there are several surgeries to lose weight available, often people are unaware of the numerous benefits these surgeries provide aside from weight loss, and how much better they feel not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. A person’s mental and emotional well-being correlates with how they feel physically. The last time you caught a cold or a fever, were you in the best mood? Probably not! Having excess weight can zap your energy, cause physical body pain, stress, and limited mobility to only name a few things. Plus, when we don’t look our best, we don’t feel our best either, and self-esteem can be easily lost. Gastric bypass and other surgeries for weight loss provide people a new lease on life, allowing them to enjoy life and feel good about themselves while doing it. 

Bye-bye Yo-yo Diet Stress

The unlimited dieting options and frequent trends can get overwhelming and confusing for people who just want to eat healthily, lose weight and keep it off. Most people who diet might see results in the short-term but aren’t able to keep the weight off long-term. Losing weight only to gain it back doesn’t mitigate the health issues associated with being overweight, and too often causes people to feel confused, stressed, and then ultimately lose motivation in their dieting efforts. Additionally, decreasing calorie intake can lead to experiencing changes in the hunger and satiety hormones we possess. What this means is that with calorie deprivation, many experience more hunger, even after eating a regular meal. After gastric bypass surgery, the size of the stomach is decreased, and as the body adapts, fewer hunger hormones are produced, allowing people to feel fuller for longer periods. Healthy eating habits are still necessary, but many people have reported not feeling constantly hungry like they used to after undergoing weight-loss surgery. 

Healthiness Related to Happiness

Improved physical health is the number one reason people undergo weight-loss surgeries, but what about mental health? Depression and anxiety are very common for people who are overweight. In fact, some studies suggest that they are more likely to experience mood disorders than those who have a healthy BMI. Social stigmas and poor body image are a daily struggle, leading to experience a decrease in their confidence, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, and isolation. This makes it even more difficult for people to handle dieting and exercising. Also, it often will lead to a spiral of gaining more weight. Weight-loss surgeries allow people to get rid of the excess weight that’s holding them back and keeping them down. Many who have undergone weight-loss surgery found they had improved emotional health afterward, with both more energy and desire to participate in activities they enjoy. 

A Happier Life

Gastric bypass surgery is not a magic cure, but getting the surgery can be viewed as a brand new phase of your life. Life after weight loss surgery can be significantly better than life before, as people regain their independence, experience more mobility, energy, and stamina. Also, they experience diminished joint pain and improved breathing among many other benefits. An improved physical appearance can boost one’s self-esteem, and improve their overall confidence and happiness, too. Feeling healthy and good about your physical appearance can help you improve your mental health and overall well-being. High self-esteem helps one to better cope with stress, anxiety, and pressure. Oftentimes people who have undergone weight loss surgery will report that the people around them will begin eating healthier and having improved moods, as their improved eating habits and healthier emotional state tend to rub off on others. 

As Confucius once said, “Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both usually right.” and with restored self-esteem and confidence after weight loss, thinking “I can” comes much easier.

If you’re interested in the many benefits of Gastric bypass surgery and want to reclaim your self-esteem, click here to learn more.