1. You’re feeling like you “should” be happier.
Ah, the old “shoulding on yourself.” Maybe you had expected surgery to bring relief, confidence, or a fresh start, however, you’re feeling sad, anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally flat. There can be a lot of pressure to feel grateful after surgery, which can make it harder to acknowledge when you’re struggling.
2. Food is taking up more mental space than you expected.
Constantly thinking about what you can eat, what you should eat, whether you ate too much, or feeling guilt or shame after eating can be really exhausting!!! Changes in your relationship with food can bring up emotions that surgery alone doesn’t resolve.
3. Your relationship with your body feels complicated.
The number on the scale may be changing, yet the way you see yourself may not have caught up. You might still see your “old” body, struggle with loose skin or body image, avoid photos or mirrors, or feel uncomfortable receiving attention about your weight loss.
4. Your relationships or identity feel different.
This is huge after weight loss!!! Weight loss can change how others interact with you and how you interact with yourself. You may experience unwanted comments, increased attention, changing relationship dynamics, or uncertainty about who you are now in a different body. Even positive changes can involve grief and adjustment.
5. You’re withdrawing, overwhelmed, or feeling unlike yourself.
You’re canceling plans, isolating yourself, losing interest in things you normally enjoy, struggling to regulate your emotions, or simply thinking, “I don’t feel like myself anymore.” These changes deserve attention, particularly when they’re persistent or interfering with daily life.
You don’t have to wait until things become overwhelming to reach out for support. I’m all too familiar with these concerns and navigating them myself. Reach out and let’s have a conversation on how I can help you heal your past self so your new self and body can be the healthiest version possible!